Silent is unsafe: Quiet Car mandate steps in

Silence is not always golden, particularly when it comes to vulnerable road users. While the quiet operation of hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) can work in their favour - think early morning heavy truck operation in city centres - they pose a risk for partially sighted and blind pedestrians. Low-speed operation is particularly dangerous, as there is no sound from the tyres or wind noise like there is at higher speeds.

In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been working to set a noise requirement standard for the past six years. Details of the 'Quiet Car' standard have now emerged. NHTSA is optimistic that the new requirement for an audible alert on EVs and hybrids could prevent up to 2,400 pedestrian injuries a year.