New Proposal Calls For Minimum Sound Requirements In Electric Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has
proposed setting a federal standard that would require all electric
vehicles to have minimum sound levels in order to alert pedestrians
of their approach. One of the signature qualities of electric
vehicles is their quiet sound when running. If this law were to go
in effect, even motorcycle producers would have to install new
street bike
parts that emit a noise to signal a machine's movement.
"Safety is our highest priority, and this proposal will help keep
everyone using our nation's streets and roadways safe, whether they
are motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians, and especially the blind
and visually impaired," Ray LaHood, the U.S. Department of
Transportation secretary, told CNN.
Under the new laws, all manufacturers of electric cars and
motorcycles can create unique sounds that distinguish their models
from other vehicles on the road. These sounds would let
pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired, know of
traffic, potentially preventing accidents or crashes.
Some manufacturers are critical of the change, as they claim
motorcycles and smaller autos face more difficulties with the
addition of the necessary noise-making accessories,
Motorcycle.com reports. As motorcycles and scooters only represent
a miniscule portion of electric vehicles, many brands are
campaigning to have the requirements dropped for two-wheeled
machines.