There are over 1 Million Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) on the roads in the world today.

However, the hybrid cars pose a silent threat to pedestrians. Hybrid car is so quiet that pedestrians can't hear it when it's starting up or idling, and they often walk right into the path of the moving vehicle. When idling or at low speeds, the hybrid car can operate on battery only. They are often silent at locations where drivers are likely to tangle with pedestrians and bicyclists -- crosswalks, turning lanes and parking lots.

A hybrid emits 3dB (decibels) of noise when moving at low speeds on battery only, a level hard to pick up with the human ear.

Our patent-pending technology provides a solution for quiet cars (click on the movie image for a demo).

Testing our sound simulation technology on bicycles would allow us to fine-tune a solution for hybrid, electric, fuel cell and other quiet vehicles.

If you are a Hybrid car driver, please share your experience with us. Your feedback is highly appreciated.

For more info on quiet cars see links below.

National Federation of the Blind. Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety, Quiet Cars

New bill introduced to Congress protecting the Blind from silent cars

The Maryland state bill may require hybrid cars to emit some sound

Global TV: Pedestrian was struck by Prius (Global BC Newscast->Jan 19->@4:45)

CNN: Hybrid cars criticized for being too quiet

The Wall Street Journal: Blind Pedestrians Say Quiet Hybrids Pose Safety Threat

CBC News: Blind pedestrians protest quiet hybrid cars

Silence of hybrid vehicles concerns blind pedestrians

Beware of Hybrid Vehicles in Parking Lots

Silent hybrid and electric vehicles should always make a noticeable sound

Hybrid cars, too quiet to be free from blind spot

PERSPECTIVES AND ISSUES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUIET HYBRID AUTOMOBILE