As families figure out back-to-school routes and summer’s light wanes, I thought I’d share a pedestrian safety alert: hybrid cars are quiet, so please be extra aware when crossing streets.
Queen Anne is a very environmentally-aware neighborhood, and I’ve noticed more and more hybrid vehicles on our roads. Go, Green Queen Anne! But I have surprised pedestrians in a zipcar Honda hybrid, and I’ve been startled myself while walking near a Prius. The New York Times and Scientific American have both covered the safety concerns of hybrids’ stealth.
Because hybrids don’t have engine noise to alert pedestrians to their presence at slow (Queen Anne-appropriate) speeds, pedestrians should make sure to do a thorough visual scan and be aware of drivers’ sight limitations when crossing the street. Particularly at non-perpendicular intersections (like where 2nd W meets McGraw), drivers can make things easier on pedestrians by taking the turn slowly and watching for approaching would-be-crossers on the sidewalks.
Quiet hybrid engines make for a more peaceful, cleaner neighborhood. We can all work together to keep the streets safe for everyone, too.