Silent cars, silent danger

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

It was no exaggeration a few years ago when consumers began reading that the cars of the future would be so quiet that blind pedestrians would be in danger.

Electric cars and plug-in hybrids, which barely make a sound, are coming on the market more steadily now and really do present a safety issue — not only for blind people but also for any pedestrian who subconsciously relies on hearing to help detect traffic before crossing a street.

We were glad to read this week in The New York Times that the potential for tragedy is being addressed. Many automakers are working on creating some sound for their naturally quiet cars.

Nissan, for example, is consulting with experts in Hollywood to create sound effects for its electric vehicle, the Leaf, scheduled to go on the market in the United States next year.

Toyota is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Federation of the Blind and the Society of Automotive Engineers. BMW is considering a technology that would give drivers the option of choosing their own noise.

These voluntary efforts are commendable.

The federal traffic safety administration is also working on the issue. It is preparing an extensive report on quiet cars that includes what level of sound they emit during various operating conditions, including while accelerating and backing up. Its report, due Jan. 31, will include recommendations for levels of sound that should be emitted to make pedestrians safer.

One issue that has not been resolved is whether the sound should be constant or activated by the driver when riding near pedestrians. One driver of an electric car interviewed by the Times said when he is near pedestrians, he rolls down his windows and turns up his radio.

We are not sure that all drivers would be that conscientious. Our inclination is that the sound should be constant and consistent among all models of quiet cars, ensuring that pedestrians at all times are better protected.