Another "Bell the Hybrid" article

General Motors works to give electric cars a little noise - USATODAY.com

I've noticed that vehicles not in production seem to have these systems promised. In contrast, those who actually make hybrids and electric vehicles are wise enough to "study." But turn-signal, relay clicks external to the cabin may make sense.

Many of us know the turn signal click helps us to remember to turn off the signal. It is a good thing so I have no problem with turn signal clicks being co-located with the turn signal lights. The purpose of a light is to signal intent and I have no problem with an audio-click, identical to a turn signal relay click, external to the car. However, I don't for a second believe it would have a measurable effect in urban traffic. The problem of 'hiding in the noise' remains.

One good change is we're seeing more admission that this is an access problem, not a safety problem. That is because no one has found credible traffic statistics showing there is a hazard. It is just not there and the NFB have had sympathetic experts at the NHTSA trying to make a silk purse from what isn't there. Then there is the elephant in the room, 4,200 pedestrian deaths last year.

One irony in life is as the number of hybrids has increased, the vehicle and pedestrian rates continue to decline. I don't for a second believe this is due to hybrids being more prevalent but more likely a result of higher fuel costs moderating the speeds of all drivers. We buy hybrids to save fuel but ordinary gas drivers have to deal with raw fuel costs by either driving less or driving slower ... sarendipity.

Bob Wilson

 

The pattern is clear:

• Press release
• Echoed report in 'media'

Here is the press release:
National Federation of the Blind Teams with Chevrolet and GM to Incorporate

Bob Wilson