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Quiet Cars - A Threat to Pedestrians and Bicyclists?
April 22, 2013 | Category: Bike Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents | Share
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that 2,800 pedestrian and bicycle accidents each year could be prevented if hybrids and electric cars were louder. These cars may become silent when the engine turns off, which can happen when the car slows down to 10 mph. According to the Department of Transportation, hybrid and electric cars are so quiet that pedestrians and bicyclists don't know they are there. Following the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, manufacturers of hybrid and electric cars have until 2017 to make the necessary changes to comply with this act.
The National Federation of the Blind commenting on the enactment of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act stated, "The act will protect the blind and other pedestrians from injury as a result of silent vehicle technology. Because blind pedestrians cannot locate and evaluate traffic using their vision, they must listen to traffic to discern its speed, direction and other attributes in order to travel safely and independently."
On March 18, 2013 The Washington Post reported on progress being made following NHTSA's administrator, David Strickland's invitation in January, 2013 to car makers to figure out how to make their vehicles more noisy. (NHTSA's proposed minimum sound standards)
"All pedestrians and bicyclists should be alert to the possibility that a 'quiet car' could be approaching. Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents happen every day. 2017 is four years away, and only new hybrids and electric cars are required to comply with the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act." said Florida Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.
Florida Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.