Hybrid Cars a Threat to Blind People?
Hybrid cars and other vehicles with silent engines could pose a threat to visually impaired people who rely on traffic noises to judge when it’s safe to cross the street, according to the National Federation of the Blind. To address that concern, two U.S. House representatives have introduced a bill that would require the Secretary of Transportation to study ways to protect the blind and others from quiet cars.
There already is an answer, all you have to do is look to Japans cities. At every crosswalk there is a chime ringing when it is safe to cross intersection.
Very interesting, Clarence — I didn’t know that. Seems like an ideal solution. Thanks!
in britain,,,we have twirling cones that are felt beneath the mounted boxes,,, that all press,,, when waiting to cross…they twirl when the green man lights up,,,which makes crossing the road the same as it would be for all…as a long cane user,,,i am very cautious even with the twirl aid and always present my cane into the road first,,,about a metre,,,and hesitate before walking,,,hence giving a split moment to play with if i should touch a vehicle moving or stationary…
there are many silent vehicles,,,eg. cycles…but i have found that tyres on road surfaces take on a soundscape quite separate from engine sounds…perhaps a polite notice in the highway code listing a number of ways car users could interact might be a good start!