News Summary: Feds want noisier electric cars
News Summary: Government safety agency wants electric cars to make noise to warn pedestrians
THE BUZZ: Electric and hybrid cars and trucks don't make enough noise at low speeds, so pedestrians can't hear them coming.
CHIMING IN: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing that all electric and hybrid vehicles make a sound when traveling under 18 miles per hour. Automakers will pick the sound from a range of noises, and pedestrians have to be able to hear it over background noise.
SOUND OFF: The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule, and the comments will be used in making up a final rule.
