Get ready for a new sound on Australian roads! A brand-new rule is here. It means certain quiet cars must now make a noise. This special sound will help keep everyone safer. It’s a big change for how we hear cars, especially in towns and cities.
This new rule affects many popular new car models. Especially electric cars and hybrid cars. These cars are often super quiet. They can sometimes sneak up on people. But not anymore! Now, they will have to make a little noise at low speeds. It’s all about making our streets safer for everyone.
New Car Sound Rule for Safer Australian Roads
Australia is bringing in a cool new safety rule. It’s for cars that are very quiet. Think about electric cars. They don’t have a loud engine like petrol cars. This makes them great for the environment. But it can be a bit tricky for safety. People might not hear them coming. This is especially true for people walking or riding bikes.
The government wants to make sure everyone is safe. So, new electric and hybrid cars must now have a special sound system. This system turns on when the car goes slowly. It helps warn people nearby. It’s a simple idea that can make a big difference.
The rule is called the ‘Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System’ or AVAS. It might sound fancy. But it just means cars make a sound. It’s a bit like a gentle hum. This sound lets you know a car is close. It’s not a loud horn. It’s more like a warning signal.
Why Quiet Car Safety Matters So Much
Imagine you are walking down the street. Maybe you are looking at your phone. Or talking to a friend. Suddenly, a car is right next to you. You didn’t hear it coming. This can be a scary moment. It can also lead to accidents.
This is why quiet car safety is so important. Electric and hybrid cars are great for the planet. They make less pollution. They are also very smooth to drive. But their quietness can be a problem. Many people rely on their hearing. They listen for cars before crossing the road. Or when walking on paths next to traffic.
People who cannot see well especially need to hear cars. For someone who is blind or has low vision, sounds are very important. They use sounds to know what’s happening around them. A silent car is very hard for them to notice. This new sound rule helps protect these people. It gives them a heads-up that a car is nearby.
This safety measure also helps children. Kids sometimes don’t look carefully before stepping out. Hearing a car can give them an extra warning. It’s about giving everyone more time to react. You can learn more about road safety for everyone on the Australian government’s website.
How the New AVAS Sound System Works
So, what exactly is this new sound? It’s not like the sound of a regular petrol engine. It’s designed to be clear but not annoying. Most AVAS systems make a continuous hum or whirring noise. It changes pitch a little as the car speeds up or slows down. This helps you know if the car is getting closer or further away.
The sound only plays when the car is going slowly. Usually, this is up to about 20 kilometres per hour. Once the car goes faster, the sound of the tires on the road and wind noise are usually loud enough. So, the AVAS system can turn off. It’s mostly for those slow speeds. This is when people are most likely to be walking or cycling near cars.
Think of it like this:
- When a quiet car starts to move slowly, it makes a gentle noise.
- This noise tells pedestrians and cyclists, “Hey, I’m here!”
- When the car speeds up, the extra sound is not needed.
- The sound is always there at low speeds to keep everyone aware.
Many countries around the world are bringing in similar rules. It’s becoming a global standard for quiet cars. This shows how important this safety idea is. You can read more about these systems on Wikipedia.
What This New Car Sound Rule Means for Aussies
This new rule will change how we experience our roads. You might start to notice these new sounds more often. Especially in carparks, driveways, and busy city areas. It will become a normal part of our daily lives.
It’s important to remember that this rule is for new cars. Older electric or hybrid cars don’t have to make this sound. So, always be careful around all cars. But this new rule adds an extra layer of protection. It helps us all feel a bit safer when we are out and about.
This new safety measure is a big step forward. It shows that governments are thinking about new challenges. As more electric and hybrid cars come onto our roads, we need new rules. Rules that make sense for everyone’s safety. This compulsory road change is one of those smart ideas.
So, next time you hear a gentle hum from a car that doesn’t sound like a petrol engine, you’ll know why. It’s the sound of a safer Australian road. It’s the sound of progress. And it’s all thanks to this important new car sound law. For more details on new vehicle standards, you can check official government transport sites like Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (similar information applies across Australia).
