Maryland Senate Bill 276, Maryland Quiet Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety Task Force, forges ahead with a plan to make tomorrow’s roads safe for all pedestrians.

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 …read more

More people complaining that hybrids (and electrics) are too quiet.

 Can we talk about the blind for a moment? There’s all this hoopla over hybrids being too quiet that more hybrids on the road mean streets will be more dangerous for the disabled.
I’ve heard a few people say that as long as drivers and pedestrians obey current laws, there shouldn’t be a problem. But what about the other places that we walk as well as drive … like parking lots. How many drivers aren’t going to realize the blind can’t hear them coming?
From the above article:

“One of the many benefits of the Prius, besides excellent fuel economy and low …read more