The other day, I scared both myself and a driver when I almost stopped in front of his hybrid car. She was shocked and seemed stunned that an adult was so careless. I was just embarrassed.
But since I told a friend about it the next day, I found out that it is more common than I thought. He had done the same a few weeks before. Then someone else told me about a woman who was putting groceries in the trunk of her car and didn’t even realize that a hybrid vehicle almost hit her.
Hybrid cars are so popular that automakers are struggling to keep up with demand. Those already on the market include Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Lexus, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Ford Escape.
They use gas and batteries to function. At higher speeds, they run on gasoline like any other car. However, at lower speeds (like less than 20 mph), hybrids are battery-powered. At slower speeds, these battery-powered cars make virtually no noise compared to their powered counterparts that have a running engine.
As good for the environment as they are, the problem is that you can’t always hear them coming.
Pedestrian groups say the lack of noise represents a new danger to people, especially those who are blind or cannot hear very well. While these groups are still in favor of the benefits that hybrid cars offer, a cleaner and greener environment and less noise pollution, they say these new safety concerns need to be addressed and are working with manufacturers to find solutions.
Meanwhile, it is up to us. Hybrid vehicle drivers and pedestrians alike should remember that things are a little different than they used to be.
* Whether you are driving or walking: be aware of what is going on around you and never hold someone else responsible for your safety.
* Remember and practice proper safety measures when crossing the street. Use crosswalks, look both ways, and stay out of cars.
* Be more alert if you are talking on your cell phone or having a heated conversation.
* Be clearly visible to the driver. Make sure they see you. Crossing the street between two parked cars is more difficult and risky. That doubles if it is at night.
* Look for signs on cars that can tell you that they are running. Look for reversing lights. Look for headlights. Cars manufactured in recent years come with daytime running lights. If the lights are on, that may be a sign that the driver is preparing to leave.
* Always make sure you have emergency contact information with you, whether you are driving or walking.
Hybrid cars are here to stay and many of us like that idea, but everyone needs to take extra precautions to protect themselves as pedestrians. If you drive one yourself, remember that pedestrians may not necessarily hear you coming, so be more alert when they are present.