Scared some Pedestrians today

There was a story on NPR recently about how blind people cannot hear the Prius at all when crossing streets. The man who was being interviewed (a Professor) likened it to when people stopped wearing dress shoes and started wearing sneakers. He was petitioning Toyota to give the car a sound, but Toyota rebutted with something like how it would add to the noise pollution.

Since my car is new, I still get indignant when people don't hear me when I'm behind them and they don't move. Trying to get out of that mindset.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ May 10 2007, 08:17 PM) [snapback]439564[/snapback]</div>

I think the car looks a little like a shark - so Jaws Theme would be appropriate.

Photoshop Anyone??


This thread is funny but true. I intentionally roll the windows down so they at least hear some music. It would be fun to choreographic it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pkittie @ May 10 2007, 08:39 PM) [snapback]439667[/snapback]</div>

True, but this is a bit over the top.

Blind people can't hear fast-moving bicycles either, and they can be hurt by them too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(robincx @ May 10 2007, 06:56 PM) [snapback]439534[/snapback]</div>

....Don't think you want to try that one in Albuquerque. Maybe a recording of a really hot game crowd cheering in The Pit.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ May 10 2007, 03:54 PM) [snapback]439530[/snapback]</div>

Darell's advice: Use only solid brass for the bell. Makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Save the crappy bells for the kids to play with.

And back to the topic... the brakes on the EV are starting to squeal (somewhat common since I have Aluminum rotors!) so that's pretty much taken care of the scare problem - I can MAKE them squeal when I want now. And then there's the bike. People will look, see me (even if they cannot hear me) and still pull out in front of me. I guess the thinking is that because I'm on a bike, I'm probably not going as fast as the traffic around me. I about got squished today.

 

Bikes come with a little ringy dingy bell because they sound cute, and it meets the minimum standards. If you want people to actually hear you, get an air horn. Turned up loud, it will make people drop their cellphones and lattes in a panic, wondering where the semi is that's about to run them over. B)

 

Yesterday we went to Wal-Mart to exchange a propane tank. I went for the car and my wife waited with the associate at the tank bin. When I drove up he asked if something was wrong with the car that it was not running, I said no it is running. We talked a little then drove away making sure it was in stealth mode. He just watched not knowing what to think.

 

I have another idea. How about baseball cards in the spokes?

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ May 11 2007, 01:02 AM) [snapback]439728[/snapback]</div>

I always knew Darell had brass bells.

 

I like the bicycle bell idea. Another option would be a chime; Radio Shack has a 12 volt one. Ding-Dong.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ May 10 2007, 10:27 PM) [snapback]439662[/snapback]</div>

Your hamster wheel needs some WD40.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ May 11 2007, 09:37 PM) [snapback]440314[/snapback]</div>

Yea, why is it that all hamster wheels squeak? Do they design them that way? They should use water cooled needle bearings.

Tom

 

This is an interesting but very real issue. I almost mowed down a pedestrian once, but I slammed the brake quick enough. I think he was faking it but he yelled "hey, whatch out for us pedestrians"! He was going across a driveway & I had already looked & thought it was clear. I now just slow to a halt and let them move out of my way. They usually eventually notice & look embarrassed. I think pedestrians have the right of way or something...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stev0 @ May 11 2007, 08:59 AM) [snapback]439977[/snapback]</div>

Somehow it loses some if its machismo when you say it.

 

I resemble that remark

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stev0 @ May 11 2007, 11:59 AM) [snapback]439977[/snapback]</div>

 

I'VE FOUND THE SOLUTION!

I once bought a wooden mouth-powered train whistle. It can be fairly loud if you blow into it hard, and yet it has a very soothing tone. Where a car horn says "Get out of my way, jerk," this whistle says "Train coming."

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(abq sfr @ May 12 2007, 04:34 PM) [snapback]440712[/snapback]</div>

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