Have you ever been walking or biking and suddenly you see a car that you never heard approaching you? This is happening more often with hybrid and electric cars becoming more prevalent on the streets. Hybrid and electric cars make very little noise compared to purely gasoline powered cars.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that all new electric and hybrid cars will be required to give off a warning noise whenever travelling under 18.6 miles per hour in order to help prevent injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and others. What is being called the “Quiet Car Rule,” should also help visually impaired pedestrians the most.
According to Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer Edith Pearce, “the fact is that hybrid and electric cars are more prone to cause accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists and the new ‘Quiet Car Rule’ will help prevent these injuries, especially in cities like Philadelphia with many pedestrians and bicycle enthusiasts.” In an article posted by Reuters, the NHTSA estimated that the chances of a quiet hybrid or electric vehicle causing an accident involving a pedestrian was 19 percent higher compared to a noise-making gas-powered vehicle. This rule has been in the works for a long time. In 2010, Congress passed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 that stated hybrid and electric vehicles must meet minimum sound requirements to provide an audible alert for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. This regulation has finally been announced since the passage of this law back in 2010.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in Philadelphia because of a hybrid or electric car, you need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the process of dealing with the insurance company. For almost 10 years, Edith Pearce, the founder of The Pearce Law Firm worked as an insurance company lawyer before deciding to represent injured victims. She knows all the inside information about how insurance companies work to help get you the compensation needed in a pedestrian accident. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.