News · 30 Dec 2010 · Car Deal Expert Editorial Team
Originally published 2010-12-30. This article is part of the CarDealExpert historical archive — see our latest UK car-finance, insurance and used-car coverage in the menu above.
The Chevrolet Volt will come with a “hybrid noise system” pre-installed. Image from Flickr.
David Strickland, the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration head, has only been in office since January. With only three months under his belt as boss, though, David Strickland is speaking out about many vehicle safety issues. Recently, Strickland spoke out about the safety of hybrid vehicles, in-vehicle “infotainment” systems and the back-up visibility in vehicles. So what changes might we be seeing soon?
Hybrid vehicles need more noise?
Recently, at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress, David Strickland raised concerns about the silence of many hybrid vehicles. A very limited analysis of 12 states shows that hybrid electrics have higher rates of pedestrian crashes. Because many pedestrians, including blind pedestrians, rely on the noise of a vehicle, the relative silence of hybrid vehicles can be very dangerous. The NHTSA is investigating requiring a “base level of sound at low speeds.” Electric car vehicles from Nissan, Lotus and Chevrolet already include “base noise” systems.
Distracted by infotainment
Most high-end vehicles now include so-called “infotainment” systems. While these systems can be used as GPS locators and radios, many of these systems also play DVDs. David Strickland expressed his concern about these systems “have too great a potential to create more and more distraction for the driver.” The NHTSA has not issued any strict standards yet, but it is possible that these GPS, TV, and radio systems may well be restricted in future-model vehicles.
Rear Back-over standards
The NHTSA is also planning on taking on rear back-over standards. Congress required the NHTSA to take on this issue in 2008, but the new standards won’t be instituted until 2017. In effect, rear back-over standards will create standards for what a driver can see while backing up the vehicle. Most industry watchers believe that this will, in effect, require back-up cameras on most vehicles. This will help reduce the number of backing-up accidents, especially for larger vehicles such as SUVs and minivans.
From the current CDE newsroom
New Audi RS5 e-hybrid: 639PS plug-in, £89,400 and what UK buyers getAudi RS5 e-hybrid UK price from £89,400: 639PS plug-in V6, 50-plus EV miles and what new buyers get. Orders op...
Audi Nuvolari revealed: the V8 successor to the R8Audi Nuvolari revealed: a 1,001 PS V8 hybrid successor to the R8, 499 units, deliveries from 2027. UK price no...
JLR mild-hybrid power-loss recall: what UK owners must checkJLR mild hybrid recall: which 2019-2024 MHEV Range Rover, Defender and Jaguar models are affected and how UK o...
Buyer action
Where to check next
Use this as the final check before paying a deposit, signing finance paperwork or relying on a headline monthly figure.
