ARTICLE: Anti-Noise activists oppose sounds for electric cars

[NeilBlanchard]

The silliest thing about this is that virtually all vehicles have the same loudest noise: their tires.

[Thymeclock]

I certainly understand not wanting more noise pollution, a genuine concern.

But I see pedestrian safety as a huge concern (i.e. life or death). It isn't their choice when someone blows a light and hits them, even though the walk signal says go. How many times are driver and pedestrian both not paying attention to the right things anyway?

You have just proven the point that traffic control devices don't protect anyone if people don't pay attention to them. Adding more controls (restrictions and mandated equipment) really doesn't increase anyone's being safe.

Stuff happens, a bit of noise might keep a kid from running out in the street, whatever.

No "stuff" does not just "happen". We live in a society where the passive voice ('mistakes were made') is frequently used, especially by politicians and the media, to deflect responsibility for one's actions. People make mistakes. Mistakes don't just "happen".

I can drive the city without my headlights off and reduce light pollution. So I should be allowed to do so, right?

Tell it to the cop who tickets you. The analalogy is pointless.

OTOH, should we make daytime running lights mandatory? (If I were a headlight manufacturer it would be in my interest to lobby for that to become law.)

[TheEnemy]

I could see the lack of noise being an issue in parking lots and residential areas where the speeds are low enough that the tires aren't making much noise, and you have cars and pedestrians sharing the same space. But its still the responsibility of the driver to watch for pedestrians at all times, as well as the responsibility of the pedestrian to not step out in front of a moving car.

Other places cars and pedestrians have their places, and rules to follow. Not to mention you can hear them comming by the tire noise.

[dcb]

Originally Posted by Thymeclock

...We live in a society where the passive voice ('mistakes were made') is frequently used, especially by politicians and the media, to deflect responsibility for one's actions. ...

A much larger issue, IMHO, is when people think something is someone elses problem. i.e. You can't hear/see me in my 2 ton vehicle? That's your problem.

[dcb]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The silliest thing about this is that virtually all vehicles have the same loudest noise: their tires.

I was thinking about this statement just now, walking to the store, and the cars I saw were all much louder when accelerating. I think this is an entirely inaccurate statement.

[NeilBlanchard]

Well, when I walk to pick my kids at school, the vehicles are already rolling (at 10-20mph) and around a curve, with trees so I cannot see the vehicle, I hear the tires first. Waaaayyy before the engine. You're right I'm sure, that from a stop, the engine is audible and an electric/hybrid is quieter.

Be that as it may, I think this whole noise maker thing for EV's is a bunch of FUD, and is a "solution" in search of a problem.

[Thymeclock]

Originally Posted by dcb

A much larger issue, IMHO, is when people think something is someone elses problem. i.e. You can't hear/see me in my 2 ton vehicle? That's your problem.

If you can't hear or see a 2 ton vehicle approaching, then you are either blind or deaf (or both). And yes, that IS entirely "your" problem. Why? Because the vast majority of the populace is neither blind nor deaf. Since it is not, you need to reorient yourself and adapt to the world; because the world does not owe anyone constant, all-encompassing accommodation for every possible handicap they might have. The handicapped have a responsibility to adapt and to take precautions to avoid danger, without relying on socially mandated protection shielding them from every potential harm.

[dcb]

speaking of cowpaddies

If you only use existing laws (i.e. explain it to the cop) to describe right and wrong, how do you ever expect to learn anything?

I'm not saying there should be a law, and it certainly should not single out electric vehicles if there was one, I'm just looking for facts, not emotional tripe, screw the handicap, lets blindly kill more pedestrian for vanity, responses.

Neil, you could point to SOME study about vehicles and their noise sources?

Tele, saying don't cross the lines is like saying get rid of every intersection everywhere. Thats a big cowpatty.

[dcb]

I omitted it because it was utter noise.

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by dcb

I omitted it because it was utter noise.

...and, unnecessary noise isn't what this discussion is about?