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Why Do Reversing Trucks Not Beep Any More?

Tom Scott · 1.6M views · 2014-01-24 · 1:45

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Overview

Tom Scott stands by a construction site and explains why reversing vehicles now use a white-noise hiss instead of beeping. The sound is easier to locate directionally and less annoying to neighbours.

On Hacker News

Cited whenever backup beepers and noise come up, as a clear explanation of the white-noise alternative.

Recommended by 3 HN people across 3 months · HN mentions 2016–2026

Topics

Everyday physics & science demosUX & UI designCivil engineering & construction
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white noise alarmsconstruction safetysound designtom scottnoise pollution

What people said

chrisbolt · 2021-01 · Strong recommendation

> Back up beepers are considerably louder than they need to be. Tom Scott has a fascinating video that describes how this is changing: [VIDEO]

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VageGast · 2026-01 · Recommendation

It does remind me of a video from Tom Scott about the use of white noise for reversing trucks. It has multiple benefits over the old beeping sound, including being easily able to hear the direction the sound is coming from. [VIDEO]

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Scottopherson · 2016-07 · Recommendation

Not necessarily. It's being changed in some places because studies show that there are safer (and less annoying) noises that can be utilized: Tom Scott - Why Do Reversing Trucks Not Beep Any More? [VIDEO] As someone with construction taking place next door to me I really wish they would start getting rid of the beeping in more places. I'm pessimistic that it will happen in my area anytime soon though.

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Sources

Video by Tom Scott, played through YouTube.

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