Government hears blind silent car concerns

Electric vehicles pose a “significant challenge” for some road users with a change in the rules expected to strong arm makers into including this new feature.

Electric and hybrid cars on Australian roads look set to emit warning sounds to minimise the risk to blind or vision-impaired pedestrians.

The nationwide Transport and Infrastructure Council met in Adelaide in August to discuss potential changes to road rules including the addition of an “Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System” to cars which operate near-silently at low speed.

As a result, the Federal Government will put forward a public consultation process early next year to determine how to address the issue of electric cars and people who have trouble seeing them.

The news was welcomed by Vision Australia, which says electric cars pose a “significant challenge” to sight-impaired pedestrians.

Electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf are expected to play an important role in Australia’s transport mix.

A survey released by Vision Australia and Monash University Accident Research Centre in October 2018 found 35 of vision-impaired people experienced “either a collision or near-collision with an electric / hybrid vehicle”.

Some 74 per cent of respondents said “the introduction of electric / hybrid vehicles onto Australian roads has reduced their confidence to walk and cross roads”.

Chris Edwards, Vision Australia manager of government relations and advocacy, says acoustic warning systems will make cars safer for everyone.

Jaguar’s I-Pace makes a low-speed humming noise.

“The government has listened to our recommendation and is acting in the interest of all road users,” he says.

“This isn’t going to be an overnight fix, nevertheless we’re pleased significant steps are being taken address what is a serious safety issue for all pedestrians, not just those who are blind or have low vision.”

Some electric and hybrid cars already emit synthesised spaceship-like humming sounds to warn pedestrians of their presence. Formal regulations surrounding the issue could standardise sound requirements for all manufacturers, making it easier for people to judge the speed and distance of quiet cars.