Originally Posted by
GriddleCakes
Try this:
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811204.PDF
This is the title of the study, feel free to Google away:
Incidence of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crashes by Hybrid Electric Passenger Vehicles
Poor word choice on my part, as the study certainly contains conclusions. I was alluding to the small sample size, mentioned by the authors, and the fact that data from only 32 states was available to the researchers. I agree that an automobile that cannot be heard is less likely to be detected, and poses a threat to those who rely heavily or solely on audible cues to navigate around cars.
I like the idea of creating an artificial warning noise for silent cars. I'd like it if hybrid and electric vehicles all sounded like the flying cars from the Jetsons, 'cause that'd be hilarious. In the meantime, I'll continue checking my rear view mirror regularly.
thanks for the direct link. I agree that this is not quite the "gold standard" of a double-blind random-assignment laboratory experiment, but I think it would be highly controversial to have cyclists and pedestrians volunteer for a simulation where they are at substantial risk of injury (and it's hard to think of how to make a simulation remotely close to realistic--it's not like crash test dummies).
totally agree that a warning noise for quiet cars is a good idea. I am always on the lookout...