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

I also know that some of the big vehicle drivers on the road, gulping up our natural resources and belching millions of tons of emissions in to our air, don’t have a reason to have a truck or an SUV besides how it looks and makes them feel. Realistically, reasonably, many drivers today could downsize without making a significant impact on their lives. They’re also a danger, but how do we address it?

There is a sentiment growing that a special license or permit be established for drivers of these vehicles requiring some proof that a large, gas guzzling, air polluting vehicle is really necessary for you to live your life day-to-day. Similar, I suppose, to a handicap parking permit.

On one hand, I believe that the more power we give the government, the more power they’ll take, and that increasing legislation in itself is a risk. On the other, it’s clear that (at least here in the US) consumers are more concerned with ego and status than how their lifestyles affect our planet.

When push comes to shove, I’m putting my money on the human intellect. We WILL continue to support earth-happier transportation. Our choices WILL continue to grow. We WILL stop putting ourselves first and start seeing “world” as a whole. I wouldn’t support legislation like this at this time, but I am for the government offering incentives like tax credits for buyers of alternative autos, grants to cities to promote mass transit options, etc.

What kinds of laws would you support? More importantly, do YOU really need the car you’re driving? I’ll answer first!

Post from: EveryJoe

Model Legislation