The increase of electric and hybrid cars on Australian roads is putting pedestrians at significant risk, particularly people who are blind or have low vision, new research has found.

A report by Vision Australia and Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) reveals 35% of people who are blind or have low vision surveyed had either a collision or near-collision with an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Vision Australia general manager government relations and advocacy Karen Knight said pedestrians who are blind or have low vision rely more heavily on other sensory systems such as hearing and touch. “While there are many advantages of electric cars, the quiet engines make it incredibly difficult to hear them coming especially when they’re travelling at low speeds,” Karen said. “This can be a real problem in car parks and near driveways, and is a major concern for distracted pedestrians, children, the elderly and people who are blind or have low vision.”

Alarmingly, the majority of incidents recorded by survey participants happened in places where pedestrians have right of way, for example pedestrian crossings and walking along footpaths. “Our research has highlighted that the risk of incidents between electric and hybrid vehicles is likely to increase unless measures are taken to protect vulnerable road users,” said MUARC research fellow Dr Sara Liu. It is estimated by 2050, electric vehicles will make up 90% of the entire vehicle fleet. “With the number of electric vehicles globally and in Australia projected to increase, it’s important to do something now.”

Vision Australia client Donna Dyson has lost three white canes to near-collisions with vehicles and cyclists. “As an inner city resident, my mobility is dependent upon walking and public transport,” Donna said. “It is challenging when cars with silent engines have failed to stop or reversed around crossings and car parks. This has resulted in collisions with my cane, and significantly impacts my confidence to travel independently. This is directly exacerbated by the increase of electric and hybrid cars.”

Knight said Vision Australia was encouraging the Australian Government to harmonise vehicle safety standards with Europe and ensure an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is fitted to all hybrid and electric vehicles. “The AVAS would require an electric or hybrid vehicle to make a noise when travelling up to and include 20 km/h, while travelling forward or in reverse. Regulatory authorities in the US and Europe moved quickly with regulations being passed concerning minimum noise standards for electric and hybrid vehicles when travelling at low speed and we believe now is the time for Australia to follow suit,” she said