The U.S. government finally issued its long-debated rules for noise-making devices in so-called "quiet cars."
They require all new hybrid and plug-in electric cars to emit noises that alert pedestrians to their presence.
Because these cars operate near-silently on electric power, regulators have expressed concerns that they constitute a greater safety risk to pedestrians than noisier internal-combustion cars.
DON'T MISS: 'Quiet Car' Rules To Make Hybrids, Electric Cars Noisy Delayed, Again (Dec 2015)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was directed by Congress to issue these "quiet car" rules in 2010, but they have been delayed multiple times.
NHTSA believes the new rules will help prevent 2,400 pedestrian injuries a year, once a substantial number of vehicles equipped with noisemakers are on the road.
The agency received praise from the American Council of the Blind and National Federation of the Blind, both of which have lobbied heavily for adoption of the rules.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1107303_feds-issue-mandatory-noise-rule-for-new-electric-hybrid-cars
WHAT!!!