http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_QUIET_HYBRIDS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-12-16-17-26-02

By Ken Thomas; The Associated Press ~ Dec 16, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Silent hybrid vehicles may soon be a thing of the past.

Auto safety regulators would be required to set minimum sound levels for hybrid and electric vehicles under a bill approved Thursday by the House. Blind pedestrians have pushed for the changes, saying the quiet purr of hybrids can pose risks for them because they use sound cues to travel safely.