STEVE INSKEEP, host:
All right. Today's last word in business is noise, or lack of it, to be precise. You may have noticed how quiet those new electric hybrid cars are. All-electric cars are even quieter. And while that's nice for passengers, it can be dangerous for pedestrians. So California's legislature has passed a bill to ensure the vehicles make enough noise that they will be heard by visually impaired people crossing the street.
The legislation does not say how to make the cars noisier. Maybe you could have an imitation car noise, some music, listening to NPR, Renee Montagne singing. Could be anything. Would set up a committee to make recommendations. The bill has been sent to the governor.
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