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Japan rethinks silent hybrid cars

BBC -- Japan is considering the introduction of noise-making devices for near-silent hybrid cars following safety fears from vision-impaired pedestrians.

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Submitted Jul 04, 2009 By: Timberline

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Sportdeck Champion Author Atlanta Posts:8,317 Points:1,595,875 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:55:05 AM Ignore Sportdeck Report Abuse I love the VW TDI ad where the neighbor has to make the sound that his car makes! lol.
hank1326 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,079 Points:767,250 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:54:34 AM Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse Interesting concept. Would this increase the cost?
Patch44 Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,758 Points:899,835 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:51:45 AM Ignore Patch44 Report Abuse It may be a good idea, however will cost be added to the noise maker?
DickAAA Champion Author St. Louis Posts:1,350 Points:800,255 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:50:46 AM Ignore DickAAA Report Abuse Sounds like a very good idea. It may also make heavy footed individuals pay more attention to their speed.
Hunter114 Champion Author Chicago Posts:2,976 Points:487,355 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:49:34 AM Ignore Hunter114 Report Abuse I prefer a quiet running car.
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:4,855 Points:845,070 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:48:55 AM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse I'd like one with the theme from "The Twilight Zone"!
ThatHunt Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,585 Points:1,221,730 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:48:18 AM Ignore ThatHunt Report Abuse gas buddy authors have better ideas than the automakers
BBHybrid Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:2,618 Points:527,480 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:47:28 AM Ignore BBHybrid Report Abuse i honk if i see a pedestrian not paying attention
murdershewrote Champion Author Riverside Posts:4,617 Points:1,630,285 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:47:15 AM Ignore murdershewrote Report Abuse happy 4th all
Eichhornchen Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,716 Points:531,165 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:46:07 AM Ignore Eichhornchen Report Abuse it would be just like a custom horn
OutbackJon Rookie Author New York Posts:24 Points:121,055 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:45:33 AM Ignore OutbackJon Report Abuse This could make a whole new market. Make your hybrid sound like a diesel locomotive, or a (vintage) VW Beetle, or a Harley. Especially if they made the sound work with engine speed, so you could sit at a traffic light and rev your engine.
montytexas Champion Author Houston Posts:1,204 Points:716,495 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:45:27 AM Ignore montytexas Report Abuse Maybe Japan could pass a law saying all drivers of near-silent hybrid cars have to honk their horn when they come to an intersection or cross-walk....
jmuse Champion Author Long Island Posts:2,219 Points:445,370 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:44:27 AM Ignore jmuse Report Abuse As a Prius owner I say no! Part of the attraction of a hybrid is the quiet.
Don1222 Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,192 Points:759,980 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:43:28 AM Ignore Don1222 Report Abuse When driving in your car, how many other cars do you hear? How many cyclist do you hear? About the only vehicles I hear are motorcycles. The noisy motorcycles do not seem to help. Why would noisy cars?
BazooQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:4,736 Points:673,455 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:43:01 AM Ignore BazooQC Report Abuse I think this is a ridiculous solution! For every problem there are alternatives. Why not consider audible devices on street corners for crosswalks or driver education on being more vigilant in pedestrian areas. Why do we have to make cars make more noise when we advertise the silent ride.
Wolfwings Champion Author Delaware Posts:3,906 Points:813,805 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:42:42 AM Ignore Wolfwings Report Abuse So, bikers have been right all along..... "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES" Nuff said.
ljmatney Champion Author Wichita Posts:4,024 Points:565,120 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:41:37 AM Ignore ljmatney Report Abuse This is a necessary thing to do.
pbc2001 Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,311 Points:416,430 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:40:45 AM Ignore pbc2001 Report Abuse It's an interesting idea.
weenerdog Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,918 Points:938,870 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:38:35 AM Ignore weenerdog Report Abuse It is something you don't think of on the drawing table, until you put it into practice. Not just the hearing impaired, how about kids that dont hear a car
CzechSteve Champion Author Orange County Posts:1,705 Points:506,365 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:38:15 AM Ignore CzechSteve Report Abuse how about they play music?
CamryCheapster Sophomore Author Massachusetts Posts:133 Points:1,349,305 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:37:46 AM Ignore CamryCheapster Report Abuse Those cars already come with a device the driver can use to alert pedestrians and other people nearby, the Readily Announcing Distance If Ordered box, also know as RADIO. In other words, just crank it up!
trojanskip All-Star Author Orange County Posts:636 Points:347,480 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:37:07 AM Ignore trojanskip Report Abuse yes, sound system that plays motoring of muscle cars, f series, old vw's etc to speakers inside optional and one outside...
bicycler Champion Author Ontario Posts:9,709 Points:1,699,985 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:35:08 AM Ignore bicycler Report Abuse As a cyclist I appreciate this idea. I do wear a helmet attached mirror which helps me see oncoming traffic from behind and has saved my life on numerous occasions on long distance trips as well as short rides. However sound has also helped many times to make me aware of oncoming cars and trucks. I therefore applaud the noise making devices, loudly!
Zinnoil Champion Author Florida Posts:18,901 Points:2,139,725 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:34:15 AM Ignore Zinnoil Report Abuse They also get too high gas mileage for the liberals.
LeeFree Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:4,375 Points:1,290,650 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:32:57 AM Ignore LeeFree Report Abuse How about putting baseball cards in the spokes of the wheels like we used to do with our bikes as kids? Or use off-road mud tires that make lots of road noise. Actually, I agree with Hugo40, there's just no pleasing everyone.
whitemiata Champion Author Albany Posts:7,579 Points:1,653,700 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:29:25 AM Ignore whitemiata Report Abuse that's good - there are benefits of a little bit of noise...
BurntOrange Champion Author Austin Posts:2,519 Points:613,840 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:29:16 AM Ignore BurntOrange Report Abuse Just set up a bullhorn under the hood that says "I am a silent hybrid. Get out of my way". Over and over and over
indyjim Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:4,742 Points:1,345,670 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:28:39 AM Ignore indyjim Report Abuse What will they do if the vision impaired become hearing impaired?
HybridPete Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,542 Points:890,020 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:26:30 AM Ignore HybridPete Report Abuse Good call here. I have a hybrid and you can sneak up on people sometimes without even trying.
Hugo40 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:2,723 Points:647,010 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:26:11 AM Ignore Hugo40 Report Abuse There's just no way of pleasing everyone, is there? But just like everything else, when one person is affected then changes are made for the one instead of the greater good.
montana920 Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,509 Points:678,450 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:24:44 AM Ignore montana920 Report Abuse I can see this as a safety issue. Not difficult to correct......I appreciate this kind of forward thinking...good for them
milespergallon Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,973 Points:1,046,195 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:24:36 AM Ignore milespergallon Report Abuse If need be, but I hope they would put something on that is not obnoxious as what has already been commented. Possibly they could intorduce something that 'broadcasts' a sound and anyone who needs it could get a VERY cheap or no cost receiver!?
maske_2222 Champion Author Manitoba Posts:3,103 Points:643,140 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:24:07 AM Ignore maske_2222 Report Abuse that is a good problem to have.....
Buck_on_Bass Champion Author Tennessee Posts:2,776 Points:595,780 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:23:38 AM Ignore Buck_on_Bass Report Abuse New car technologies bring new challenges. White noise or pink noise can be heard but is not distinct. The sound does not identify the source as a vehicle. A unique sound but one that is not irritating may be helpful for the pedestrians or cyclists. The sound needs to convey information concerning speed and direction. Some of the radar systems preventing tailgating accidents are not suitable triggering a sound generator. The radar cannot tell is someone is standing between parked cars. It cannot tell the difference between the stationary person and a post or pole. Until this is addressed by the automakers, the drivers must be vigilant and watch for those using sound as another information source.
Bat99 Veteran Author Denver Posts:370 Points:123,880 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:21:52 AM Ignore Bat99 Report Abuse They could put bicycle bells on them to warn people they are coming.
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:4,514 Points:1,499,880 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:21:09 AM Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse "NOISE-MAKING INSTEAD OF SILENT" -- do you think they mean hearing impaired??
miatabill Champion Author St. Louis Posts:2,521 Points:242,165 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:19:37 AM Ignore miatabill Report Abuse How about clickers in the wheels like a Big Wheel?
CSharpGuy Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:4,544 Points:922,635 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:19:17 AM Ignore CSharpGuy Report Abuse Give them seeing eye dogs.
BigBobOH Sophomore Author Cleveland Posts:217 Points:102,710 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:19:15 AM Ignore BigBobOH Report Abuse nice one Chummy37
PizzaMon Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,183 Points:953,110 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:18:34 AM Ignore PizzaMon Report Abuse Something that must be considered.
tco0102 Champion Author Charleston Posts:3,713 Points:963,750 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:18:15 AM Ignore tco0102 Report Abuse Some noise would be nice.
Cruiser340 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:7,509 Points:1,813,035 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:17:17 AM Ignore Cruiser340 Report Abuse need to give them a bit of noise.
snell snail Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,878 Points:1,687,595 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:17:11 AM Ignore snell snail Report Abuse ...crossing streets?...vision impaired...hearing impaired...watch out!
Jetta_Pilot Champion Author Toronto Posts:3,973 Points:568,590 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:15:49 AM Ignore Jetta_Pilot Report Abuse Just do like those idiots with their BOOM BOOM stereos. you'll hear them a mile away!
Chummy37 All-Star Author Calgary Posts:845 Points:453,775 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:14:49 AM Ignore Chummy37 Report Abuse I like the playing card in the spokes idea!
Skip928 Champion Author Arizona Posts:1,833 Points:688,185 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:14:32 AM Ignore Skip928 Report Abuse You don't have to be blind to walk out in front of a car, just be from California.
Tonester1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:7,632 Points:1,364,170 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:14:04 AM Ignore Tonester1 Report Abuse they stole my idea.
Neilbee Rookie Author Houston Posts:21 Points:12,100 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:13:44 AM Ignore Neilbee Report Abuse That's a great idea even for those who are absent-minded not only the blind or deaf who can be safe with an ongoing car. A noise-making car is a must!
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,709 Points:627,400 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:11:35 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse With the number of visually impaired rising (if only because our longevity is increasing), it is certainly something to consider. But, maybe inventing a device that would vibrate and alert a visually impaired person would be even better.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,709 Points:627,400 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:10:32 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Number43: that's the dumbest comment I've seen in a long time. Blind people have nothing else but their hearing. How do you expect them to SEE? They are after all... BLIND!
bluenvoy Champion Author Nashville Posts:7,799 Points:1,088,765 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:08:55 AM Ignore bluenvoy Report Abuse This noise thing is horse hockey.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,709 Points:627,400 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 10:08:48 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse that's an interesting idea.