Comments on: Will Pedestrian Warning Sounds Be Standard for Hybrids?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:25:20 +0000

So we are not looking for a better world with less noise pollution? Just think, if everyone produced less noise then you could hear the tires, belts turning on the engine and maybe the sweet whistle of the driver. And, for the person walking in the MIDDLE of the street because of no sidewalks. Try walking on the side of the street so cars can pass. As with most things, it is how society acts that makes the problem not the innovation.

By: mysterie

mysterie — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:31:46 +0000

Odd I could of swore, some Priuses already have an electric whine setup for the cars. Every once in a while one drives by in the parking lot and I hear a lite electric whine. I thought that is the sound they placed on the car because I only hear it on the newer models. I have never startled anyone with my Fusion except for fast food people who don’t hear me pull up to the window, lol.

By: bwilson4web

bwilson4web — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:05:00 +0000

Currently this bill, S.3302, is being circulated by Senator Rockefeller. Sad to say, you can't see the "Bell the Hybrid" language in Thomas because he is circulating 'a substitute amendment.' The only way he can get this nonsense into law is by hiding it.

It is always worthwhile to call or visit the local Senator offices or FAX your objection. It doesn't mean it will work but at least you'll be able to say in the future, "I did what I could."

Bob Wilson, Huntsville, AL

By: bwilson4web

bwilson4web — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:01:09 +0000

We've had 10 years of the Prius and Honda hybrids yet there are no fatality numbers showing a risk. If there had been a risk, it would have been seen a long, long time ago.

The real problem are all pedestrian accidents and this distraction, "Bell the Hybrid," does not address the 4,000 pedestrians who died last year. Near as I can tell, Prius-pedestrian deaths have been 4 this year: Seattle, Newport Beach, and Walton.

So to potentially reduce the less than 0.1% of all Prius-pedestrian deaths, the NHTSA will ignore 4,000 dead pedestrians. Congress will go after the 'mote' on the corpses of a small town.

In one respect, "Bell the Hybrid" means hybrid owners will have relief, a legal defense. "Your honor, my noise maker was working when I ran over that pedestrian. By law, they are supposed to jump out of the way." . . . and another 4,000 pedestrians will die.

Bob Wilson

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 03:39:12 +0000

some may argue more noise will impair other critical noises (e.g. a blind person may not hear a car coming from the left when there is a harley coming from the right, which will mask other surrounding noises).

common sense is needed here. this is a driver behavior issue (i.e. driving at a reasonable speed, appropriate use of warning devices such as a horn), not a car issue. let's not let this turn into a noise arms race by mandating minimum noise levels. otherwise all bicycles would need the same device too.

perhaps a happy median is to provide an alternate horn button allowing a car to emit softer warning tones for pedestrians without blaring the horn and startle them.

By: Capt. Concernicus

Capt. Concernicus — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:51:44 +0000

@ Prius Owner in Baltimore,

Haha...I want my Prius to sound like an A-10's cannon letting off rounds on an unsuspecting enemy tank! Or maybe just let the horn sound like that. Watching people dive for cover would be hilarious!

By: Baltimore Prius Owner

Baltimore Prius Owner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:46:10 +0000

I’d like my Prius to sound like an F16 fighter jet coming in hot!!!! Imagine people diving for cover. Come on, there has to be somebody out there who can dub the sound to a video and youtube it? I’d buy it in a heartbeat!! OK, time for my morning coffee….:o)))

By: JJJ

JJJ — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:54:05 +0000

I was walking my dog down the middle of a residential street last summer (no sidewalks) and I had no idea a prius was slowly following us.

It's necessary for the blind

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:48:42 +0000

this could be just money scheme… imagine all the money they can make by offering to “download latest car noises from iturne”!

By: Pat

Pat — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:03:02 +0000

Give me a break!
I have been driving a Camry hybrid close to 4 years. I never startled anyone when I drive by them in slow speed. In fact, doesn’t matter how you drive it, the car always has some kind of noise. Tire noise, heat/ air conditioner fan etc..