Hybrid Fuel and Electric Cars to be Equipped With Noise Alert System; Will Help Prevent Road Accidents?

In a bid prevent road accidents involving pedestrians, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a new law that will require electric and hybrid fuel cars to have a noise alert system when running at low speeds. The new law will help avoid road accidents, especially involving those who are visually impaired.

According to The Verge, electric and hybrid fuel cars -- which are becoming known among vehicle producers and car enthusiasts -- hardly makes any engine noise when running at relatively low speeds. Noise from due to tire friction and wind resistance occur only when the electric or hybrid-fuel car is running at high speeds.
PBS also reported that the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the new law could prevent 2,400 pedestrian injuries a year if hybrid fuel and electric cars are equipped with a noise alert system. Hybrid-fuel cars run on both gas engine and electric motor, while electric cars run on full electric motor, and makes very little noise compared to cars that run on gasoline or diesel.

The new law will require hybrid fuel and electric vehicles to make noise when moving backward or forward below 19 mph. However, the noise alert system won't be required when hybrid-fuel or electric cars are running at higher speeds.
Hybrid-fuel and electric car manufacturers will have until September 1, 2019 to equip their vehicles with the noise alert system, but 50% of manufactured hybrid fuel and electric cars will need to be equipped with the noise alert system one year before the due date as compliance to the new law. The new rule is part of a pedestrian safety law passed by Congress in 2010 .

Advocates for the visually impaired commended the new law. As per the Verge's report, advocates said the new rule will make roads safer for the blind and visually impaired, as well as for cyclists who share the road with cars.