If you’ve ever ridden in or driven a Prius then you’re likely familiar with the beeping sound it makes when it’s backing up. What’s interesting about this is that the sound comes inside – not outside. Wouldn’t it be more useful if it were heard outside so that pedestrians would be alerted that a vehicle is backing up? Especially since electric and hybrid vehicles pose unique risks to pedestrians, compared to other vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledge the increased risks
The NHTSA has stated that the fact that electric vehicles and hybrid cars are so quiet can make them a bigger threat to pedestrians then cars that run on gas. These vehicles are almost silent when they back up, slow down, stop, make a turn, turn into a parking spot, and leave a parking spot. As a result, pedestrian accidents can increase when pedestrians don’t hear these cars. Research by the NHTSA has shown that hybrid and electric vehicles get into more pedestrian crashes than cars with other engines.
The real concern with these vehicles
The main concern is not when these vehicles are raveling at high speeds, because if they’re going fast then there are likely other auditory cues, like wind noise and tires. However, when a car is driving at a slow speed, the fact that it’s almost silent means that pedestrians have fewer auditory cues – and a much higher hazard.
Some people are particularly at risk
The risks of being involved in this type of accident aren’t the same for everyone. In fact, those at highest risk are those who are blind, the elderly, and children. These pedestrians are simply not as well equipped to hear a car approaching compared to the rest of us.
Hybrid and electric car owners can take steps to reduce these risks
As we mentioned in the opening, those of us at Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn wonder why the beeping sounds the Prius makes don’t happen externally. The good news is that these vehicles do have working horns. Saving the life of a pedestrian can be as simple as honking the horn before pulling out of a parking space, looking both ways for pedestrians, and otherwise keeping an eye out for people who make not see you.
Were you struck by an electric car or hybrid car?
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident with one of these vehicles – or any other type of vehicle- then your next call should be to Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600. We are here to help with all your personal injury needs. Attorney Kahn has decades of experience and can get right to the heart of your case. Call us today for your free consultation. When you work with us, if we don’t recover funds for you then you don’t pay a fee. It’s a simple as that.
