Hybrid cars running on only their electric motors may pose a greater risk to the blind and other pedestrians because they’re so quiet, a UC Riverside psychologist suggests.Ongoing research funded by the National Federation of the Blind indicates that, at slow speeds, the hybrids have to be 40 percent closer before they can be heard, according to professor Lawrence Rosenblum.

“Our preliminary findings could mean that there is an added danger with hybrid cars, particularly at intersections and in parking lots,” Rosenblum said in a UCR press release.

When the cars travel at 20-25 mph and higher, they make enough non-engine noises that they can be heard, according to Rosenblum.

“This research provides evidence that hybrid cars, when operating in silent mode, pose a substantial risk to blind people and other pedestrians. We hope that regulators and car manufacturers will take notice of these results and take steps to eliminate this risk,” Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the NFB, said in the release.

Filed under Review, Wheels

Thursday, April 17, 2008

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