Valid point, although pedestrian safety is mostly discussed in the low-to-mid-speed regime (<= 45 MPH), while tire noise (at least according to my own observation) dominates in the high speed regime (>= 65 MPH). There might be some overlap though.

Also worth pointing out: NVH is not just Noise --- it includes Vibration and Harshness that are only felt by the people inside the vehicle.