Mandatory Pedestrian Alerts for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Pedestrians will soon face reduced risks from the growing population of quiet-running electric and hybrid vehicles, thanks to an impending regulation from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency has started a rule-making process to require automotive manufacturers to install warning systems that will automatically alert pedestrians to the presence of these vehicles. This move comes after years of advocacy from organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind and safety regulators concerned about the potential risks to pedestrians.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated a rule-making process to require warning systems for pedestrians on electric and hybrid vehicles.
• The agency aims to publish a final rule by January 4, 2014, with the regulation covering various vehicle types, including light and low-speed vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and heavy-duty trucks.
• Japan introduced a similar recommendation in 2010, mandating sound alerts for hybrids that can run exclusively on electric motors.
• General Motors' Chevy Volt, Nissan's Leaf, and Toyota's new Prius V wagon are among the vehicles that already offer sound-alert systems.
• Toyota has stated that it will include an audible pedestrian alert on its new Prius V wagon and other hybrid and battery-powered models, ahead of any regulatory action.
• Ford is developing sounds for its 2012 Focus electric model, which will be introduced later this year.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is required by law to write a standard for an alert system that doesn't require action by a driver or pedestrian to activate it by July 4, 2012.

Statistics:

• By January 4, 2014, a final rule must be published.
• The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started a rule-making process for mandatory pedestrian alerts on electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Japan introduced a similar recommendation in 2010, mandating sound alerts for hybrids that can run exclusively on electric motors.
• Chevrolet Volt and Nissan's Leaf both offer sound-alert systems, with the Volt's system activated when the driver pulls the turn-signal handle.
• Toyota will include an audible pedestrian alert on its new Prius V wagon and other hybrid and battery-powered models this year.
• Ford is developing sounds for its 2012 Focus electric model.

Sources:

• Bloomberg news service
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Jeannine Ginivan, a spokesperson for Nissan
• Cindy Knight, a Washington-based spokesperson for Toyota
• Wes Sherwood, a company spokesperson for Ford
• Lara Solt, The Associated Press
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