[Nfbn-announce] NHTSA says electric vehicles, hybrids must be loud enough for blind to hear

[NFB of Nebraska Info]

NHTSA says electric vehicles, hybrids must be loud enough for blind to hear
Greg Gardner , Detroit Free Press



Government safety regulators have set a new standard that requires hybrids
and electric vehicles to generate enough noise so pedestrians and
blind'people can hear them in cross walks and parking lots. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the new standard could
prevent about 2,400 pedestrian injuries annually once all electrified
vehicles are properly equipped.



Because these vehicles run on batteries, especially in low-speed
environments such as parking lots and at traffic lights, they are extremely
quiet. While that may be a pleasant effect for nearby residents, it presents
a risk to the visually impaired and even to non-handicapped pedestrians who
are not paying attention. The situation will become more urgent in large
cities where implementation of ride-hailing fleets will grow fastest.  Most
of these vehicles, whether autonomous or human-driven, will have electrified
powertrains.



Under the new rule, all hybrid and electric vehicles with four wheels and a
gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less will be required to
make
audible noise when traveling in reverse or forward at speeds up to about 19
miles per hour. At higher speeds, tire and wind noise, provide adequate
audible warning to pedestrians. Automakers have until Sept. 1, 2019, to
equip all new hybrid and electric vehicles with sounds that meet the new
federal safety
standard. Half of new hybrid and electric vehicles must be in compliance one
year before the final deadline.



Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, commended
NHTSA for the new rule. "This regulation will ensure that blind Americans
can continue to travel safely and independently as we work, learn, shop, and
engage in all facets of community life," Riccobono said.



"This is a common-sense tool to help pedestrians -- especially folks who are
blind or have low vision -- make their way safely," said NHTSA Administrator
Mark Rosekind. "With pedestrian fatalities on the rise, it is vitally
important we take every action to protect the most vulnerable road users."


-- 
National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska
Phone: 402-477-7711
Email: info at ne.nfb.org
Web: http://www.ne.nfb.org
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nebraskasblind
Twitter: @nfbn

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.
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