Electric car is assumed less safe and dangerous for pedestrians
A study led by psychologist Lawrence Rosenblum of the University of California, Riverside, found that the roar of the cars are generally audible at a distance of 36 feet or about 11 meters. But, the human ear can not hear a hybrid car until the car was only 11 feet or about 3.3 meters.
With such close distance, if in danger, we only have a few seconds to react before crashing into a hybrid car. It's not safe. Rosenblum's research is the reason for the agency the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make provisions so that pedestrians can share the road with a car that's quiet voice.
One of several alternatives is the maker of electric cars should add sound, so that pedestrians can watch out when the car was passing.
Car companies have actually been aware of it. In late 2010, Nissan, for example, has introduced a technology called VSP and put warnings on the Infiniti M35h being marketed this year. This technology will make car noises with different frequency when running on electricity, depending on the level of speed.
Kia also introduced a similar technology for Optima Hybrid cars are shown in the arena of the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. They called Virtual Engine Sound System. The system is based on the same technology used in cars Hyundai BlueOn.
