Hybrid Cars: make some NOISE!
Quiet cars, namely Hybrids and Electrics, are under the spotlight after the US National Federation of the Blind voiced its concern about the noise they generate, or rather their lack of noise. In a world that invented double glazing and earmuffs to combat traffic noise, among other things, it would seem that there’s a positive to a loud engine – it lets pedestrians know there’s a car coming and, of course, this is helpful for people with impaired vision.
The Federation suggests that a minimum noise level should be set for all vehicles, and in an urban environment it makes sense – however, try telling that to folk who live within earshot of a motorway. But how do you make a quiet car noisy? Making them sound like wasps is one suggestion...
I think that adding nosie to a car is a little extream. While adding nosie to items for safety reasons is not up presidented adding it to millions of future cars is not a good answer. Maybe we add a city mode so that it makes nosie only when you enter the city and then goes quite when you are on the freeway. Or maybe a sensor that detect people or objects in front of you and then plays a recording that says "Caution Silent Hybird car approching". Not only would that help people with poor or no eye site it would help all those with no site problems who just don't have a clue.
Posted by: Charlie | October 11, 2007 11:27 AM