The US Senate has unanimously approved John Kerry's legislation, "(1) establishing performance requirements for an signal sound that allows blind and other pedestrians to reasonably detect a nearby electric or hybrid vehicle operating below the cross-over speed, if any; and

(2) requiring new electric or hybrid vehicles to wage an signal sound conforming to the requirements of the motor vehicle country standard established under this subsection."

The "cross-over" speed is defined as the speed at which tire noise / wind resistance is no longer sufficient to signal people to the presense of a vehicle in motion.

But this requires more research, right? Yes. $2M worth.

Follow the jump for more on this bill, plus we talk with blind guy, and good friend, Brian Bushway who's not only blind, but teaches echolocation to blind children. (Teaser: "really, it would be better for everyone if all the cars were quieter.") 

The bill will spend $2,000,000 to:

(1) determine the minimum level of sound emitted from a motor vehicle that is necessary to wage blind and other pedestrians with the information needed to reasonably detect a nearby electric or hybrid vehicle operating at or below the cross-over speed, if any;

(2) determine the performance requirements for an signal sound that is recognizable to a pedestrian as a motor vehicle in operation; and

(3) consider the overall community noise impact.

(c) Phase-in Required- The motor vehicle country standard prescribed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall establish a phase-in period for compliance, as determined by the Secretary, and shall require full compliance with the required motor vehicle country standard for motor vehicles manufactured on or after September 1st of the calendar year that begins 3 years after the date on which the final rule is issued.

(d) Required Consultation- When conducting the required study and rulemaking, the Secretary shall–

(1) consult with the Environmental Protection Agency to assure that the motor vehicle country standard is consistent with existing noise requirements overseen by the Agency;

(2) consult consumer groups representing individuals who are blind;

(3) consult with automobile manufacturers and professional organizations representing them;

(4) consult technical standardization organizations responsible for measurement methods such as the Society of Automotive Engineers, the International Organization for Standardization, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations.

Onto our conversation with Brian Bushway:

"I have not any individualized problems, and I'm out there traveling around moreso than anybody. If you're looking and paying attention to quiet cars, it's just another thing you're looking for."

"The concern is that blind people are going to be taken out by cars, but this is better for sighted people too because sighted people aren't paying attention to the world around them (as trained blind people are). I've heard stories of elderly sighted people being run over by their mate. I haven't heard any stories of blind people being run over by silent cars, but I bet more sighted people are being hit by cars than blind people simply because of the population difference."

"If all the cars were electric and quiet, then it would change the dynamic of the road in general. You would get used to the change and adapt to what you should be listening for. It's the difference from the norm that's the problem. But really, it would be better for everyone if all the cars were quieter."