LSVs like the 2016 GEM e2 may need audio alerts in the future to improve pedestrian safety, but the rules have yet to be finalized by NHTSA.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delaying rules that would require hybrid and electric vehicles to emit sounds during low speed operation to alert blind, visually-impaired and other pedestrians of their “presence, direction, location and operation”. The rules would apply low speed vehicles (LSVs), as well as highway-capable vehicles. Originally, the rules were supposed to be finalized by January 2014 with compliance by manufacturers by September 2018, but the finalization date was pushed back to November, 2015, and now to March, 2016. The chances of hybrid vehicles being involved in pedestrian accidents are 19 percent higher than traditional gas-powered cars, according to the NHTSA. NHTSA expects that the rules, if implemented, would prevent 2,800 fewer pedestrian and bicyclist injuries annually.

Learn more:  Marketbusinessnews.com

Comment:  Market forces could drive adoption of this safety feature by LSV manufacturers faster than regulators. Commercial sales continue to be a growth market for LSVs, and one reason is their safety features. LSVs are a popular vehicle choice in pedestrian heavy environments such as college and corporate campuses, where such a safety feature could be of benefit. Another interesting question is how these regulations will influence vehicles in places like gated communities where many consumers opt for golf cars, which have fewer safety features than LSVs. These communities, which typically have an older population, could potentially benefit from this safety feature as well.