With the rise of quieter electric and hybrid cars, authorities are worried they’re too quiet and disabled pedestrians might get into accidents. They have suggested that the more silent models of electric and hybrid cars come with audio alerts when they’re moving at low speeds.
These Rules Will Go Into Effect By 2016
US regulators reported that the requirement for audio alerts won’t be enforced until at least mid-march 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had declared this would be put into action by November 2015, but there has been a delay due to ‘additional coordination’ being necessary.
This Buys Electric and Hybrid Car Makers More Time
While regulators aren’t happy about the delay, car makers like Tesla, Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Hyundai can use this to buy themselves time and input audio alerts into their upcoming models, which would require a sound to be made when driving at 18mph or less.
This New Regulation Will Cost the Auto Industry $23 Million
According to the regulators, this will cost a collective $23 million in efforts to input this technology, which certain carmakers believe to still be too loud and complex to be practical. This rule will even apply to larger electric and hybrid vehicles like SUVs, buses, trucks and even motorcycles.
