There are plenty of anecdotes from people who say they've been surprised by silent-running hybrid cars. I've even read where people say that crash victims may not have heard the hybrid coming.
Now here's a government report that has some statistics to back up those stories. The study issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compares hybrid cars to internal combustion automobiles.
Essentially, the report finds that hybrids have a significantly higher rate of bicyclist and pedestrian crashes in low-speed conditions when compared with their noisier, internal combustion engine counterparts.
Engine type
Out on the open road, the report found no statistical difference between the hybrid and internal combustion engine. The report, “Incidence of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crashes by Hybrid Electric Vehicles,” goes on to state, however:
“Similar to pedestrians, in crashes that potentially have occurred at very low speed such as when vehicles are turning, slowing, or stopping, backing up, or entering or leaving a parking space, the incidence rate of bicyclist crashes involving HEVs was significantly higher when compared to ICE vehicles.”
The report says that at slow speeds, “the difference between the sound levels produced by the hybrid versus ICE vehicle is the greatest.” In other words, the electric engine is quieter.
The report compared Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Honda Accord hybrid vehicles with similar models powered by an internal combustion engine — the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, and Honda Accord.
Noise makers
After pointing out the problem, the only recommendation in the report is for more study.
Car makers, however, are figuring out how to address those safety concerns for hybrids, such as adding a device that would generate a sound during those low-speed operations.
Until then, this is just another reason for us to stay alert while we're bicycling around town and to always expect the unexpected.
Recent Comments