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Quiet Hybrids Cause Concern for Blind Pedestrians
by
findingDulcinea Staff
Legislation introduced in Congress would require a study to determine whether hybrid vehicles should make more noise to warn the blind and other pedestrians.
30-Second Summary
In an Associated Press video, blind people stood next to hybrid vehicles in a parking lot. One man asked “is that thing on now?” and when someone off-camera said it was, replied, “that’s scary.”
Two congressional representatives introduced a bill this week to study hybrid vehicles’ lack of noise, and how that can impact pedestrians. One group welcomed the bill.
“The blind, like all pedestrians, must be able to travel to work, to school, to church, and to other places in our communities without being injured or killed,” said Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, in a news release.
The blogosphere is mostly sympathetic to blind pedestrians. T. Reid, a visually impaired blogger, is frustrated that studies are needed “to prove what’s already known,” but is glad that people are paying attention to the problem.
However, an unnamed blogger at the Prius Owners Group says the quiet is among the hybrids’ best attributes, and doesn’t believe that the cars should be changed to meet one group’s needs.
One reporter suggests creating a new sound for hybrid cars, “one that encapsulates their non-threatening nature, low carbon emissions and position at the cutting edge all at once. After designing the instantly recognizable Windows 95 sound, perhaps Brian Eno could help,” wrote Tom Simonite.
With H.R. 5734, the Department of Transportation would have to spend two years studying the issue, and then make a recommendation to Congress. Within 90 days of issuing that recommendation, the Secretary of Transportation would have to “establish a minimum vehicle safety standard for all new vehicles sold in the United States.”
Watch AP Coverage
Two congressional representatives introduced a bill this week to study hybrid vehicles’ lack of noise, and how that can impact pedestrians. One group welcomed the bill.
“The blind, like all pedestrians, must be able to travel to work, to school, to church, and to other places in our communities without being injured or killed,” said Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, in a news release.
The blogosphere is mostly sympathetic to blind pedestrians. T. Reid, a visually impaired blogger, is frustrated that studies are needed “to prove what’s already known,” but is glad that people are paying attention to the problem.
However, an unnamed blogger at the Prius Owners Group says the quiet is among the hybrids’ best attributes, and doesn’t believe that the cars should be changed to meet one group’s needs.
One reporter suggests creating a new sound for hybrid cars, “one that encapsulates their non-threatening nature, low carbon emissions and position at the cutting edge all at once. After designing the instantly recognizable Windows 95 sound, perhaps Brian Eno could help,” wrote Tom Simonite.
With H.R. 5734, the Department of Transportation would have to spend two years studying the issue, and then make a recommendation to Congress. Within 90 days of issuing that recommendation, the Secretary of Transportation would have to “establish a minimum vehicle safety standard for all new vehicles sold in the United States.”
Watch AP Coverage
Headline link: U.S. representatives introduce pedestrian safety act
“The beneficial trend toward more environmentally friendly vehicles has had the unintended effect of placing the blind and other pedestrians in danger,” said U.S. Rep. Ed Towns (D-NY) in a news release. “As someone who taught travel with a white cane to the blind for many years, I understand that the sound of traffic is critically important in order for them to travel safely and independently. This bill will prevent many injuries and fatalities while still allowing more clean vehicles on our nation’s roads.”
Source: National Federation of the Blind
Opinion and analysis: How quiet is too quiet?
Technology reporter Tom Simonite brainstorms ways to warn pedestrians. “But we could get used to a new sound,” he writes. “How about a futuristic electric hum, like a hovercar might make in a sci-fi movie? Or should it be something completely new. One of my colleagues thinks they should make a noise like wasps—a clear signal to get out the way.”
Source: New Scientist Blogs: Technology
A blogger at Prius Owners Group answers the “unfair question” of ‘are hybrid cars too quiet for their own good?’ with another one: “Should world [sic] be geared around your needs? Should cars be made louder so that you are safer?”
Source: Prius Owners Group
T. Reid, a blogger who talks about blindness issues, is glad to see the attention paid to the hybrid issue. “Hopefully it won’t take a tragic accident to get the issue resolved,” he wrote.
Source: Reid My Mind
Reference link: Complete text of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act
H.R. 5734, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday by representatives Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL).
Source: Library of Congress
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