The US National Federation of the Blind (NFD) has partnered with Chevrolet and General Motors to identify a safe level of sound for electric and hybrid vehicles, in order to alert the blind and other pedestrians to their movements.

The companies will work with the agency to understand the safety needs of pedestrians with respect to the near-silent vehicles.

NFB’s Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety chairman Deborah Kent Stein said a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration demonstrated that the silent operation of hybrid vehicles is an issue for all pedestrians, not just the blind.

“In certain situations, electric or hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in collisions with pedestrians,” Stein said.

“The NFB looks forward to working with the safety agency in the crafting of appropriate standards establishing an acceptable level of minimum vehicle sound.”