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Blind Swindon guide dog owner says quiet electric cars are dangerous
Overview
A blind guide dog owner from Swindon has raised safety concerns over quiet electric vehicles, stating that they are difficult to hear and make road crossings challenging. The charity Guide Dogs is calling for stricter legislation regarding warning sounds fitted to electric vehicles, including higher minimum sound levels and higher speed thresholds before the sounds cut off.
Key points
- Maisy McAdam, a 29-year-old blind guide dog owner from Swindon, says quiet electric vehicles leave her feeling vulnerable and put her and her guide dog Janey at risk.
- The charity Guide Dogs is campaigning for stricter rules on Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS), arguing current minimum sound levels are too low and cut off at too low a speed.
- Guide Dogs wants the speed threshold for warning sounds increased from 20 kph (12 mph) to 30 kph, and for AVAS to be included in the MOT testing system.
- The Department for Transport stated that requirements for electric vehicle sounds are kept under review as technology evolves.