By Douglas V. Gibbs
In electric mode, which is when a hybrid idles or cruises at less than 15 miles per hour, hybrid cars are very quiet. Too quiet, according to the National Federation of the Blind. The silent vehicles are being called a danger to the blind, and it is being demanded that the vehicles make more noise.
In short, for the safety of those that require being able to hear a vehicle in order to realize its presence, engineers are considering making hybrids more audible with artificial sounds.
Because we are conditioned to hear a motor when a vehicle is near, the suggestions primarily revolve around giving these cars a, well, car noise.
It seems interesting that after decades of trying to make cars quiet, it turns out they've become too quiet, and now need noises added for safety.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
The Deadly Silence of the Electric Car - Washington Post
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