The Toyota Prius is the world's best selling and most quiet hybrid car. When the electric engine takes over control of the vehicle, you almost can't even hear it pass by. Well, this has been quite an issue in some areas, especially those with high pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Several accidents over the years involving a collision between hybrid cars and those on foot or pedaling has raised concerns that the Toyota Pius is too quiet. Toyota is working on a solution to this issue.

The Japanese auto maker will start selling a $148 speaker system in Japan on August 30, which will play sounds under the hood to help it achieve the "same noise level as a regular car engine." Rev that sound system!

Toyota will be selling the speaker system in Japan only at first, and the purchase is voluntary. But a Toyota rep told Associated Press that "the company is considering bringing the feature to the United States and other markets."

Toyota isn't alone. According to the AP, other car competition with hybrid vehicles are also determining how to increase the sound of their green autos to keep pedestrians safe.

Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists than other vehicles.

Remember to share the road and come in to test drive an all new Toyota Prius hybrid at Motorcars Toyota - 2950 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.



Source:  http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20014511-17.html