That site freezes up on my Firefox browser, and it doesn't sound as a search for a better URL would provide any conclusive support for the "factoid" based rhetoric.

that's the analysts being responsible statisticians instead of making wildly overblown claims. but when I read the entire report, what's convincing is that they find that a disproportionate % of accidents with pedestrians/cyclists at intersections and in other low-speed situations involve hybrid vehicles. the differences are statistically significant at conventionally-acceptable (95% confidence level) intervals.

and those results are also consistent with pedestrians/cyclists not being able to hear the hybrid vehicle coming. so don't dismiss it as "inconclusive"

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...

In over 300,000 miles of bicycling have been struck hard 3 times by a motor vehicle.
1st: High school kid in a sedan on his first solo drive made a left turn and hit us dead center on our tandem . . . excuse: "I didn't see you." He was ticketed.
2nd: white Ford pickup truck struck me at about 45 mph from behind on my single bike; big Westcoast mirror hit me dead center in the back and ripped off mirror, bolts and all. Driver was drunk. Managed to stay upright and did not crash. Ticketed + License suspended for 90 days.
3rd: Another white pickup truck hit us while riding our tandem, again at about 45 mph on a frontage road. The break-away mirror hit my stoker in left shoulder. Managed to keep tandem upright and not go down. Driver had a restricted license, was ticketed and had his license revoked. Excuse: "I didn't see you" and we were wearing bright orange cycling jerseys.
ALL vehicles/drivers are profiled by us!!!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Try driving in Korea or in China. I'm sure it makes the NYC folks seem saintly.

I'm in Los Angeles. Although I keep an eye on every vehicle that I can, my closest calls have been with Metro Buses and LA County Sheriff.

The most noticeably considerate drivers on my ride home are UPS trucks ( I ride right past one of their hubs).

The MILF-mobile (the Official Vehicle of El Dorado Hills) scares me most. It's a gigantic SUV (Tahoe/Denali/Escalade/Hummer), always black paint, driven by a 105 lb 30-something blond woman who's on the phone, drinking a venti half-caff nonfat latte, and is late for her Pilates session.

Fare jumper!!!

Some more auto profiling here: Vicious Cycle

I just treat everyone like they are an oblivious, bloody idiot.

One ton pickup trucks. Ford, Chevy, Dodge doesn't matter they're all out to get me....

Here in good ole Alabama you have to watch for the following:
Hummers
Tahoes (or any sibling)
Lifted trucks
Prius
BMWs
4runners
SUVs in general
Obnoxious cars (loud exhaust, stereo, etc)
Minivans
Vehicles with rebel flags/bumper stickers

That list varies on what time of the day it is.

I drive a BMW motorcycle, but I have to say that the newer "Baader-Meinhof Wagen" give me the most grief when I'm cycling (or motorcycling, for that matter). Also moms driving minivans full of nose-miners while yakking on cell phones.

Cars I watch out for:
- Prius
- big SUVs
- UPS delivery truck
- minivans
- "fun" cars on a nice saturday (mini coopers, etc)

Also, any car pulling out onto a somewhat busy road. They appear to be incapable of judging speed. Often they will see you about 10 car lengths back, sit and wait (you think they will wait til you pass), then when you are 10 ft away they gun it.

I normally have very good luck with drivers, but yesterday morning I went into work later than usual, as I had to stay late for a project. I thought that traffic would be lighter and easier, but I was mistaken. I was buzzed a couple of times, but the worst was when I heard someone gun his engine, pass me on the left and take a quick right to get on a ramp (Energy Park Drive and Southbound Snelling ramp). Missed me by inches. He was driving a Jetta.

wow. is that a reference to the buback assassination? if so, you just earned ten nerd points!