National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the US has advised to increase the sound generated by the hybrid and electric vehicles under the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (PSEA) of 2010.
According to the proposal the sounds made by a vehicle travelling at 18mph and above, should be identified by the pedestrians and bicyclists under a wide range of street noises and other background sounds.
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "Safety is our highest priority, and this proposal will help keep everyone using our nation's streets and roadways safe, whether they are motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians, and especially the blind and visually impaired."
The proposal allows the automakers to select sounds, which would be liable to meet certain requirements for their vehicles while the same model will have to emit the same sound or set of sounds.
NHTSA expects to decrease about 2,800 accidents per year, involving pedestrian, cyclists, hybrid cars, trucks and vans with implementation of the idea.
