From the Baltimore Sun:

 The Senate voted today to give preliminary approval to a bill calling for study of how to deal with hybrid vehicles, which run very quietly.

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. It’s paired with House Bill 1160, of the same name.

What will the task force study? Obviously, their number one concern, is figuring out the levels of “quiet” that promote accidents. Other than that, the bill instructs them to look at ALL AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY that could improve safety, look over related studies and interview experts and consumer groups, and make recommendations regarding appropriate solutions to the problem.

Post from: EveryJoe

Blind pedestrians see progress in Congress

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. ;)

Post from: EveryJoe

Well, if you people can’t work together

1) If you don’t know the car is on, you’ll try to start it again. Repeatedly cranking your engine can’t be good. If you buy or rent a hybrid, please familiarize yourself on what it sounds/looks like when it’s turned on before you cost yourself a bundle in repair fees.

2) Pedestrians and drivers have to be more careful in situations where they’re close to one another. (Which is usually a great idea anyway, but – as they say – common sense, ain’t.

3) Legitimately, blind pedestrians face a challenge when it comes to quieter cars. We need to support the National Federation of the Blind in their campaign to equip cars with continuous noise emitters. Yes, it would limit the reduction of noise pollution to a degree, but it wouldn’t have to be significant. The safety of people with disabilities must remain a priority.

Post from: EveryJoe

More complaints about hybrids and noise

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 emissions, is quiet performance. Not only does it not pollute the air, it doesn’t create noise pollution,” [Bill] Kwong [spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales USA] said. “We are studying the issue and trying to find that delicate balance.”

And now this, from the same article:

Officials with two separate arms of the U.S. Department of Transportation — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration — said they are aware of the problem but have not studied it.

Shouldn’t this be the other way around? I mean, come on folks! The American government isn’t as worried about our safety as Toyota Motor Sales? There’s a problem here. I know we all enjoy that quiet ride, but people’s safety is more important.

I like this article because it’s debunking the hype pushed around online. Most blind people don’t expect hybrids to give up their ability to lessen noise pollution. They just want some way of telling when a car is coming. It’s not written off as some remote possibility. It’s used studies to back these ideas up. Blind people’s needs aren’t being met by today’s hybrids. They deserve for this problem to be fixed. If I were blind, I would be very frustrated by people who would fight that.

Post from: EveryJoe

Stealth Assassins: Are Hybrids Hazards for the Blind?