Well, if you people can’t work together

I’m off vacation. I’m in a mood, and to read this article this morning just made me allll frustrated. Apparently, the Society of Automotive Engineers is studying available options for warning pedestrians of oncoming cars, but feel the National Federation of the Blind is trying to circumvent their opinions. The wording of a bill recently introduced to Maryland lawmakers would establish a committee to study effective “noise-generating technology”. Automakers say the solutions that show the most benefit at this point fall outside that definition. To me, it looks as though they’re splitting hairs.

I understand why companies don’t want more government control over their operations, but they’ve had the chance to handle this problem and have seemingly ignored it … to the point that advocacy groups have had to get the government involved. I’d have to side with the NFB on this one, folks. You can’t just ignore a problem, and then throw a fit when someone else tries to solve it.

Can’t we all just work together?

Maryland looks like it will be the first state to pass quiet car legislation, though only to set up a committee to study possible solutions. It may take many years before regulations are put in place to protect pedestrians from distracted drivers — so for now, just make sure you’re paying attention. ;)