As electric vehicles become increasingly popular in California and across the country, there is much to celebrate. After all, these cars, trucks and SUVs tend to be significantly better for the environment than traditional vehicles. Still, because electric cars also are comparatively quiet, they pose a potential risk to pedestrians.
Pedestrians use all their senses to avoid collisions with motor vehicles. Because of the silent nature of electric vehicles, though, walkers and joggers may not hear an electric car approaching. Therefore, manufacturers of electric vehicles have taken steps to add pedestrian warning systems to the cars they sell.
Tesla’s system draws rebuke
According to reporting from CNN, Tesla, a well-known electric vehicle manufacturer, decided to install a boombox feature to some of its cars. This feature allows drivers to play preset and custom sounds from a speaker on the outside of their vehicles. These sounds include flatulence and goat bleats.
While Tesla’s boombox feature may seem like harmless fun, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes it may interfere with the pedestrian warning system. Consequently, in response to the NHTSA’s lack of amusement, Tesla has agreed to recall more than 500,000 electric vehicles.
Pedestrians should take note
Until electric vehicles become more common than those with internal combustion engines, pedestrians may not immediately recognize warning systems. Therefore, if you regularly walk, run or job, you should pay extra attention to oncoming traffic. Put simply, you may not be able to rely on your ears to alert you to a potentially dangerous situation.
Ultimately, if an electric vehicle runs over you when you are on foot, you may be eligible for substantial financial compensation.