TFVS-23-03
Keep EVs Quiet: Reduce Road Traffic Noise and Improve Health
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Policy briefing on road traffic noise as a health hazard and the opportunity for electric vehicles to reduce environmental noise pollution. Documents health impacts including hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and sleep disruption, with particular vulnerability for infants, children, seniors, and people with pre-existing conditions. Addresses enhanced exterior sound systems in EVs that replicate combustion engine noise, undermining noise reduction benefits. Recommends regulating acoustic vehicle alerting systems for pedestrian safety while prohibiting sounds beyond public safety requirements, and prioritizing public health over commercial preferences.