Improved reversal sounds have been invented - the classic beep isn't just bad from a noise pollution perspective, it's also an artificial sound that's difficult for people to process and determine its point of origin. There's been a gradual rollout of white-noise reversal beepers, which while they might seem strange are easier for people to locate aurally - as a result they can be played at a lower volume, and even if it was played just as loud is a much less unpleasant tone.
Of course it'll probably be many years before old-school beepers are phased out.
I've seen some which are self-adjusting too; so in a quiet environment they only make their "angry crow noise" quietly, but on a busy site it'll be a bit louder. Clever stuff.
Thanks for sharing that video. The white noise solution is a huge improvement over the sharp beeps. I looked into if there is any movement in the US re requiring the white noise option but all I found was this non-committal response from OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-...
I had been wondering about this! The first time or two I heard it I really thought it was just a specific vehicle malfunctioning, but they've become very common around me the last couple years. I kind of figured this was what was happening but never remembered to look it up.
Of course it'll probably be many years before old-school beepers are phased out.
Tom Scott video for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa28lIGuxq8