Prius Gets Noise To Protect Pedestrians

[Wizzo]

I have two Prius's on my companies fleet and it’s hard not to be shocked by how quiet a Prius is once it’s switched over to running on electric at low speeds.  There is virtually no sound coming from the car, which should make it no surprise that hybrid vehicles suffered from higher percentages of being involved in a low speed pedestrian accident compared to gas-powered vehicles.

When you’re crossing the road or walking along it, you rely just as much on your ears as you do your sight.  Having a car on the road that makes no sound can make roads more dangerous, which is why Toyota is offering a speaker system that makes a very strange whirring sound.

The whirring sound is meant to sound similar in volume to a normal car engine. It’s becoming available in Japan for the newest Prius and will also be offered for any new hybrids from Toyota.  You can buy the system for about £150. 

Needless to say after you've checked out the video below you will see why I'm not rushing out to buy this option for our cars. 

[lkjohnson1950]

Dislike the Prius. Most people who grive them seem to feel bound to max out the mileage. OK. They have not learned to keep to the right (and out of my way) to do it.

Lonny

[Dare]

it sounds like bad sound effects from a low
budget Japanese sci-fi movie from the 60's

[David]

Watch this, I think Walter get the Prius sound spot on. 

[lkjohnson1950]

 
I love Jeff Dunham. If you haven't seen Achmed the dead Terrorist:


Lonny

[David]

Big fan of Jeff Dunham myself Lonny.