New Jersey Nissan News: Nissan Leaf May Have Artificial Sound To Keep Pedestrians Safe

Whether youre walking down a suburban sidewalk in the middle of the day or taking

a late-night bike ride, its usually customary to look both ways before crossing the street. Sometimes however, you can be wrapped up in a conversation on your cell or just concentrated on the last mile of your ride. In those situations, if a cars coming, youll know by the natural sound of its motor and your instincts will tell you to stop and look to make sure the car isnt turning and the path is safe to cross. Could you imagine if vehicles made no natural noise, being wrapped up in that conversation, forgetting to look both ways, and one was about to make a right hand turn in your path as you cross?

This is the problem with hybrid and electric cars, like the Nissan Leaf. Although a silent car seems like such an innovative feature and a pristine engineering feat, it actually puts pedestrians in harms way. For the safety of all, US lawmakers are considering to push for a bill for cars to be mandatorily equipped with a fictional sound, for the safety of pedestrians. Its also reported that Nissan is voluntarily looking into adding the artificial sound feature to their vehicles. Rumor is that the noise that would be built into the Leaf would resemble a flying saucer or flying cars in sci-fi films. This sound was described as a low whizzing noise.

Im not sure whether these noises are the most accurate and beneficial for the Leaf, but its a step in the right direction to protect the safety of pedestrians, especially those who are hearing impaired and rely on noise for traffic safety. I would have thought a simple beeping noise or muted car horn could suffice, and in that case, an individuals brain would easily be able process the noise and identify the source. In response to that: We decided that if were going to do this, if we have to make sound, then were going to make it beautiful and futuristic, says the team of Nissans noise and vibration expert, Toshiyuki Tabatas. We wanted something a bit different, something closer to the world of art.

This issue of artificial noises has been so prevalent for Nissan; theyve even brought in several music composers to create a pleasant sound, or melody, to be sounded from these vehicles, which are expected to be released within the next few years. These engineers are looking for a noise that stands apart from the standard engine noises we hear on the street every day.

When the first Leaf arrives at an NJ Nissan dealer, Im interested to hear the sound that they decide on.

This artificial noise system would be set to activate upon turning the key in the ignition (or pushing a button at this point in the game), and would turn off at approximately 15 mph, which is when the tires are assumed to be generate their own noise on the road. Engineers have agreed to focus on finding the right tune at the right volume so people are alerted but dont find the sound annoying.

Usually when I go to a New Jersey Nissan dealership, Im there to check out the sights, but before long, Ill have to check out the sounds as well.

by: Frank Gaston

POST COMMENT

Free Talks and Tours in New York City Chicago Nissan News: Leaf To Be Outfitted With Sound Effects For Pedestrians Libertyville New Cars: Nissan Reveals Information About 2010 Altima Don't Buy Solar Panel Kits – Here's a Better Way to Save Solar Panels Cost Analysis How to Build A Solar Panel - Learn to Create it The Easy Way How To Make Your Own Solar Panels DIY Solar Panel Guides Reviewed! How To Make Solar Power System And Save The Earth! DIY Make Your Own Solar Panel Build Solar Solar Homes - The Benefits of Solar Power at Home The Solar Power Solar Panels, Photovoltaic Systems