October 2007 Safety Newsletter

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Time To Go Back To Basics

The other day I put a scare into both myself and a driver when I almost stepped out in front of her hybrid car.  She was shaken up and looked stunned that an adult would be so careless.  I was just embarassed.

But as I told a friend about it the next day, I found out I'm not the only one.  He had done the same thing a few weeks earlier.  Later, someone told me about a woman who was putting groceries in the trunk of her car and didn’t even realize that a hybrid vehicle nearly backed into her!

Hybrid cars are so popular that auto manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand.  The ones already on the market include Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Lexus, Honda Civic, Honda Accord and the Ford Escape. 

They use both gas and batteries to operate.  At higher speeds, they run on gasoline just like any other car.  However, at lower speeds (less than 20 mph), hybrids are powered by batteries.  At the slower speeds, these battery-powered cars make very little noise compared to their motorized counterparts that have a running engine. 

As great as they are for the environment, the problem is, you can't always hear them coming!

Pedestrian groups say the lack of noise poses a new hazard to people, especially those who are blind or don’t hear very well.  While these groups are still in favor of the benefits that hybrid cars offer - a cleaner, greener environment and less noise polution - they say these new safety concerns need to be addressed and are working with manufacturers to come up with solutions.

Meanwhile, it's up to us....

Both drivers of hybrid cars and pedestrians need to be aware that these quiet cars can pose new dangers.  Here are a few reminders to keep you and your family safer when you're on foot.

• One of the most basic suggestions goes for both drivers and pedestrians - Be aware of what's going on around you and never make someone else responsible for your safety.
• Take extra precautions in parking lots and at night.
• Be extra alert if you are talking on your cell phone or having a heated conversation. 
• Remember and practice proper safety measures especially when you are with your kids - research shows they practice what YOU practice, not necessarily what you preach.
• When crossing the street, always use crosswalks if they are present.  If not, cross at the corner.  
• Be clearly visible to the driver.  Make sure they see you.  Crossing the street from between two parked cars makes it difficult for a driver to see you and is extra risky. That goes double if it's after dark. 

Finally, look for signals on automobiles that can tell you they are in operation.  Look for reverse lights.  Look for headlights.  Cars manufactured within the last few years come with daytime running lights.  If the lights are on, that can be a signal that the driver is getting ready to pull out.

Hybrid cars are here to stay and lots of us like that idea but everyone needs to take extra precautions to safeguard themselves as pedestrians. If you drive a hybrid yourself, just remember pedestrians can't necessarily hear you coming.