Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have become the symbol of fuel economy. The economic benefits of hybrid cars come from their engine design, where a traditional combustion engine works together with an electric engine. In lower speeds, the electric engine provides power. When the driver needs extra oomph, the combustion engine provides the additional power. This limits the use of the combustion engine and minimizes fuel economy. It also lessens the noise of the car dramatically, especially at lower speeds.
While many people see a quiet ride as a positive, many safety advocates are not so gung-ho about the eerie silence of the hybrid cars.
“This (quiet ride) is an example of too much of a good thing,” said John Pare who is currently the executive director for strategic initiatives with the National Federation of the Blind. According to Pare, hybrid cars have become too quiet to the point that they pose additional safety risks to unsuspecting pedestrians, especially the blind and the hearing impaired. Some lawmakers have suggested adding sound performance requirements for hybrids and electric cars to the auto safety bill.
Automakers, on the other hand, are already exploring their options to address the issue. Toyota Motor Corp. is already studying artificial sounds for their hybrid cars at lower speeds to give pedestrians a heads up. Nissan Motor Corp. will be implementing artificial sounds for the Leaf, due for release later this year.
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