Hearing the Future

By the time I have an EV of my own, it should be equipped to emit noise so that it complies with the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010.

Someday soon, I want to drive an electric car, maybe a Nissan Leaf or a Ford Focus Electric. I'm reading up on their costs, range, emissions, federal incentives, and reviews to determine whether the technology is viable for the driving I do, which is roughly 65 miles of mostly freeway commuting every weekday, with 95 degrees F the average high temperature in summer months and 55 F the average high in winter. I'm in no real hurry to buy it.

By the time I have an EV of my own, it should be equipped to emit noise so that it complies with the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. Signed into law by the president Jan. 4, this law requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure manufacturers of electric and hybrid cars add noises to those vehicles that will sufficiently alert blind people and other pedestrians.

NHTSA studied the noise issue before the bill became law. Its report, published last April (http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crash%20Avoidance/Technical%20Publications/2010/811304rev.pdf), found that even average people took significantly longer to detect vehicles when they were operating in electric mode. This is a serious problem for those with hearing impairments.

Shortly after the bill was signed, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said phase two of the research involving tests of synthetic sounds is under way at the Volpe National Transportation Center in Massachusetts. "Congress has asked that electric and hybrid vehicles emit a sound at low speeds so pedestrians recognize when a vehicle is approaching. In our tests, we're trying to find the right balance between quiet roadways and pedestrian safety," he explained.

The Leaf's drive electric tour stops March 18-20 in Washington, D.C., according to http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index#/leaf-electric-car/. Alas, I won't be there to take a test drive. If you drive it, please send an e-mail to tell me how it felt -- and also how it sounded when you were standing nearby.

This article originally appeared in the March 2011 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

About the Author

Jerry Laws is Editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine, which is owned by 1105 Media Inc.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! 3

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. 3

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. 3

Featured

Most   Popular

Webinars