School children shown electric car with sounds

Date: 18/11/2010

A system that allows electric cars to produce sounds to alert pedestrians of their presence has been demonstrated at a school in Banbury.

Pupils at Shennington Primary were allowed to try out some of the sounds created by the technology - which range from engine to spaceship noises - while it was fitted in a Toyota Prius, the BBC reports.

Kay Robinson of Harman, the acoustics company which developed the system, explained the device aims to prevent potential accidents with pedestrians, because research has shown electric cars are so quiet they cannot be heard until they are about three metres away when travelling at 30 mph, compared to ten metres away for a combustion engine vehicle.

Sarah Reynolds, Head Teacher of the school, stated the demonstration is an important way of increasing awareness of road safety for younger generations, particularly because many people rely on their hearing as well as their sight.

Earlier this month, the charity Guide Dogs raised concerns about electric vehicles, claiming they will make crossing the road dangerous for those who are blind or partially sighted.

Posted by Sarah Bailey