In 2019, new rules were introduced stating that all new electric cars should be fitted with an audible warning system to aid safety. Since electric cars are much quieter than standard petrol and diesel cars, if not silent, they can pose a risk to pedestrians when traveling at low speeds. Along with a sound that pedestrians can hear when the car is being driven, some electric vehicles also have a pedestrian alert warning light that illuminates on the dashboard when pedestrians are nearby.
Why is My Pedestrian Alert Warning Light On?
A pedestrian detection system is there to let drivers know when there are people close to the car. It uses advanced computer systems placed around the car to let the driver know when there are pedestrians or other moving road users like cyclists that might be close to or in the vehicle’s intended path. Some electric vehicles will show this light accompanied by a sound while others can automatically apply the brakes to the car if there is a risk of a collision.
What is the Pedestrian Alert Warning Light?
A pedestrian alert warning light is a part of a high-tech pedestrian detection system. It uses cameras around the vehicle alongside sensors that detect human movement to distinguish between people and other stationary objects on the road. At night, it uses infrared technology to help the car’s computers safely detect pedestrians.
What Does it Mean When the Pedestrian Alert Warning Light is Flashing?
Some cars may show a flashing pedestrian alert warning light as standard, while on others, it will be a stable light until the pedestrian is no longer in the range of the cameras and sensors. Refer to your car owner’s manual to find out more about whether the light should flash or be static in your particular vehicle. In some cars, the pedestrian alert warning light might be static at first, but start to flash if the danger increases, for example, if there is a pedestrian right in front of the car that is at risk of being hit if you do not slow down or stop immediately.
How Does the Pedestrian Alert Warning Light Work?
If your electric vehicle has a pedestrian alert warning system, then you should check the owner’s manual to find out more about how it works since each make and model of car will have a version that works slightly differently from others. The main aim of this system is to alert the driver wherever there is a pedestrian or cyclist close to the car. For example, the light may turn on and noise may sound if you are driving and a pedestrian begins to cross the road in front of you.
What are the Common Reasons the Pedestrian Alert Warning Light Will Come On?
The pedestrian alert warning light will come on when your car detects pedestrians or cyclists on the road. People crossing the road in front of you, people waiting to cross, or cyclists on the road close to your car are some of the common reasons why this light might illuminate the dashboard of your electric vehicle. Most of the time, this light does not mean that you are going to have an imminent collision but is simply a reminder that you should drive extra vigilantly right now due to pedestrians in the area.
If your pedestrian alert warning light is activated even though there are no pedestrians nearby, this could indicate a fault with the systems. Sensors, computers, and cameras work together to make this system work, and a fault with one or more of them could be causing your car to detect pedestrians even though nobody is there. If this happens, it’s best to take your car to a specialist who can figure out why this is happening.
Is it Dangerous to Drive With My Pedestrian Alert Warning Light On?
Whether it is dangerous to drive or not when the pedestrian alert warning light is usually down to the situation at the time. Even though you have the additional support of a pedestrian warning system on your electric car, and some cars might stop automatically to avoid a collision, it is important to be careful and vigilant when driving, just as you would in any other car. Most of the time, you will be able to safely continue driving when the pedestrian alert warning light is showing. However, do so with care and be aware of the pedestrians that are close to the car.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix the Pedestrian Alert Warning Light?
The pedestrian alert warning light should automatically switch off on its own when pedestrians are no longer detected around the car. If you’re driving through a busy area, for example, it might be turned on until you have left the area and the car is no longer detecting pedestrians walking close to the car or crossing the road. However, in some cases, faults with the pedestrian alert warning system could cause the light to switch on incorrectly or not turn on when there are pedestrians nearby. If this is happening, you should get a diagnostic test for your car to find out what is causing the issue. The cost of repairing it can vary depending on why your pedestrian warning system is not working correctly.
Will My Car Fail its MOT if the Pedestrian Alert Warning Light is On?
Electric vehicles are legally required to have an MOT each year once they are three years old. The test, however, is different from that of a petrol or diesel vehicle as the car components are different. Your car will not usually fail an MOT if the pedestrian alert warning light comes on during the MOT test as this may be a signal that it is working correctly. However, if it comes on incorrectly or does not switch on when expected, this might be a test fail or advisory, as it can pose a danger to other road users.
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