Four organizations representing the automobile industry and blind Americans are pushing to establish minimum noise levels for cars. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM), the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) are urging the U.S. Congress to include the provision as part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010. Initially promoted by the NFB and ACB, the safety issue has garnered active support from the auto industry.

The nearly silent operation of the newer hybrid electric cars is dangerous not only to blind pedestrians but also to bicyclists, runners, and small children. A recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration observed that hybrid and electric vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be involved in pedestrian-related accidents as most cars and trucks. The congressional bill is known as HR734 and is titled The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act.