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Silent Prius
Hi
In the past month I have been 'surprised' by Prisuses.
On the first occasion I had filled my car at a local petrol station and was walking out of the shop, busy putting my credit card back in my wallet. A Prius stopped about 1 foot from my leg.
On the second occasion I was crossing a supermarket car park to Sainsbury's entrance. A Prius again stopped about 1 foot from me.
OK - my fault both times. I wasn't concentrating and had my mind on other things, but my hearing is fine. The point is, I didn't hear a thing. No engine noise, tyre noise, nothing. I was lucky, the drivers were going very slowly.
Like I said, my fault but I can't help wondering what would happen in a high street or busy town. People look and listen when crossing the road. If you don't see a car, chances are you'll hear it. These cars are deathly quiet when motoring along at low speeds.
As more of these types of cars get onto the read, I suspect we will see a rise in minor pedestrian/vehicle accidents.
In the past month I have been 'surprised' by Prisuses.
On the first occasion I had filled my car at a local petrol station and was walking out of the shop, busy putting my credit card back in my wallet. A Prius stopped about 1 foot from my leg.
On the second occasion I was crossing a supermarket car park to Sainsbury's entrance. A Prius again stopped about 1 foot from me.
OK - my fault both times. I wasn't concentrating and had my mind on other things, but my hearing is fine. The point is, I didn't hear a thing. No engine noise, tyre noise, nothing. I was lucky, the drivers were going very slowly.
Like I said, my fault but I can't help wondering what would happen in a high street or busy town. People look and listen when crossing the road. If you don't see a car, chances are you'll hear it. These cars are deathly quiet when motoring along at low speeds.
As more of these types of cars get onto the read, I suspect we will see a rise in minor pedestrian/vehicle accidents.
Asked on 19 September 2011 by jeremybiggs
Answered by
Honest John
This is being looked at, but a standard warning noise for electric vehicles moving forwards has yet to be agreed.
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