Steve Holmer - Comment

Document ID: NHTSA-2011-0100-0005
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Received Date: July 27 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Date Posted: July 28 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: July 12 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: August 11 2011, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80ecde5a
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This is comment on Notice

Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act: Environmental Assessment, Pedestrian Alert Sound System on Hybrid andElectric Vehicles

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The sound chosen to alert pedestrians should be a white noise, like the sound of tires on pavement, rather than a harsh beep or alarm. A radar system should be required on all vehicles by 2015 that automatically activates when a pedestrian is within a certain close distance. This will activate the sound on hybrids and electrics, but also flash lights on all vehicles in case the pedestrian is hearing impaired. All vehicles should be required to have a transponder that allows its cruise control and breaking system to interlink with other vehicles by 2020. Pedestrians could wear a transponder bracelet (or it could be implanted in shoes) that will alert all vehicles to their presence and automatically avoid collisions.