Chevy Volt: Safe Sound Alert for the blind

[Mr. Wyndham]

...one-upping the sorry Prius at every turn...I love it!
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us...v/1125_GM_Volt

DETROIT – Chevrolet, General Motors and the National Federation of the Blind are cooperating to identify a safe level of sound to alert the blind and other pedestrians to the presence of near silent-running electric and hybrid vehicles.

“We are confident electric vehicles can produce a safe and acceptable level of sound to alert blind pedestrians to their presence,” said John Paré, NFB executive director of strategic initiatives. “We look forward to working with Chevrolet and GM to identify an appropriate sound that will alert pedestrians in the most effective and least disruptive way possible.”

Members of the National Federation of the Blind and engineers from GM began meeting earlier this year to understand the safety needs of pedestrians with respect to quiet vehicles, and to work on solutions for the benefit of pedestrians, cyclists, runners, children and other members of the public.

Several NFB members recently experienced a demonstration of the pedestrian warning alert on a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle driven at various speeds by chief engineer Andrew Farah. While visiting GM’s Milford Proving Ground, they also evaluated the alert from the front, sides and rear of the car.

“We have significant background in the area of pedestrian alerts dating to our work on our first electric car, the EV1,” Farah said, “The most important thing is to listen to the people who will interact with these vehicles in everyday life.”

Deborah Kent Stein, who chairs the NFB’s Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety, said, “A recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrated that the silent operation of hybrid vehicles is an issue for all pedestrians, not just the blind. In certain situations, electric or hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in collisions with pedestrians. The NFB looks forward to working with the safety agency in the crafting of appropriate standards establishing an acceptable level of minimum vehicle sound.”

“The National Federation of the Blind appreciates the opportunity to work with General Motors on this problem,” said Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind. “We urge all automobile manufacturers to work with the blind in designing vehicle sounds to alert us to the approach, speed and direction of vehicles so that both drivers and pedestrians can safely use America’s roadways.”

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

...one-upping the sorry Prius at every turn...

For twice as much money.

[UCF w00t]

So they need to quit forcing cars to be quieter. Open headers should be legal, for pedestrians' sake of course!

[GTAHVIT]

Originally Posted by Bullitt

For twice as much money.

And more than 2 times the capability...

[SleepWarz]

seems like they cant win here.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by GTAHVIT

And more than 2 times the capability...

I thought the Pious was good for about 4 miles electric only, and cost $22,000 (base model). Doing a little math here ... ~$40,000 Volt - $7500 rebate = ~$32,500. 32500/22000 = ~1.5. And 40 miles / 4 miles = 10

So more accurately, you get 10x the electric car for 50% more. I'm comparing electric range because if the Volt uses its gas engine it still supposed to have roughly the same fuel economy as a Pious.

[Angrybird 12]

they can always used spoked wheels and we can just clip baseball cards in them to make noise....

[GTAHVIT]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I thought the Pious was good for about 4 miles electric only, and cost $22,000 (base model). Doing a little math here ... ~$40,000 Volt - $7500 rebate = ~$32,500. 32500/22000 = ~1.5. And 40 miles / 4 miles = 10

So more accurately, you get 10x the electric car for 50% more. I'm comparing electric range because if the Volt uses its gas engine it still supposed to have roughly the same fuel economy as a Pious.

I did say MORE than 2 times...

[boxmonkeyracing]

and that's one car I would consider buying but a bike is more fun

[SleepWarz]

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

they can always used spoked wheels and we can just clip baseball cards in them to make noise....

Even better.

[Justin]

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

they can always used spoked wheels and we can just clip baseball cards in them to make noise....

You know, I've always wondered how many Mickey Mantle rookie cards that got done with.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by Justin

You know, I've always wondered how many Mickey Mantle rookie cards that got done with.

I was too young for him.. but Roger Maris, dang I know I used a bunch of his cards in my bicycle spokes...