Electric cars may be required to make more noise

Next Media - The US Department of Transportation has proposed minimum noise requirements for hybrid and electric cars traveling at speeds of less than 18 miles per hour.

Studies show hybrids are 20 percent more likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians, as hybrids and electric cars make virtually no noise when moving at speeds of less than 18 miles per hour.

According to the Department of Transportation, the noise requirements would result in 2,800 fewer injuries to pedestrians and cyclists each year.

Carmakers would be able to choose from a variety of sounds. The department posted a sample list of sounds here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/SampleSounds.

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, US Department of Transportation

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-autos-dot-noise-rules-hybrid-electric-vehicles-20130108,0,7124402.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fmostviewed+%28L.A.+Times+-+Most+Viewed+Stories%29

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811526.pdf

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