‘Put Swiss Cow Bells on Electric Cars’ says UK Politician
Some of you may not be aware of the intricacies of the British parliamentary system, but one of its stranger quirks is something called the House of Lords - an amalgam of hereditary aristocrats, ageing bishops and a range of other assorted oddballs.
Over the years (centuries), this ‘upper house’ has cultivated something of a reputation for eccentricity - but the latest outburst from Conservative Lord McColl takes the biscuit. In order to tackle the safety risk posed to pedestrians by quiet electric cars he suggested the following proposal:
“My Lords, does the Minister accept that there might be a simpler solution? When I purchased one of these cars a few years ago, my wife, being very practical, said that the answer would be to put on the front of the car a small Swiss cowbell….”
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In response, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis couldn’t resist gently ridiculing the suggestion saying, “My Lords, I think this is England. [cue peals of laughter from the opposition parties] … Whether such Swiss innovations would go down well here is a matter for conjecture. We have nine months [for consultation].”
Now, I’m all in favour of innovative low-tech solutions to emerging problems, but this is something else…
Image Credit - crazbabe21 on flickr
Ha, interesting idea. I like that sound. I’m curious if many electric cars have caused accidents so far because of their lack of sound– I haven’t heard of any, though I’ve heard many people mention the risk.
There probably hasnt been many crashes, since there are not many full electrics on the roads. But, yes you are correct, as the number of silent vehicles come to market it will be something they will need to look into. Another simple low-tech solution is the whistle from a Nerf football. Sounds almost as funny as a cow bell, but it does change pitch with air speed, giving the sound of a turbo spooling up and down. I have mentioned this idea to Zero motorcycles. They probably think I’m crazy.
I have heard several Priuses running on electric-only.
They make plenty of tire noise, but no engine noise. The result is that, because the noise is unfamiliar, it is hard to identify.
Once these cars become ubiquitous & everyone becomes familiar with the sound they make, this non-problem will go away.
One thing ive thought about is dirt biking for example, you are out in the trails and you come around a corner only to hit a bear. With gas engines they (animals) usually hear you comming and go into the bushes til you’ve passed by.