Related To Story |
Quiet Hybrid Cars Cause Concerns For Safety Of Blind
POSTED: 11:20 pm EDT April 11,
2008
UPDATED: 11:44 pm EDT April 11,
2008
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Many people would think the less noisy a car is, the better. However, that's not the case for people who rely on sound to get around safely.The National Federation of the Blind and a local congressman agree that nearly silent hybrid cars may be a hazard because the cars' electric-gas engines make the vehicles so quiet they're almost undetectable to someone who can't see them.Now, many people are pushing for a change to hybrids.
"When they're crossing the street, they can use traffic sounds to get them straight across the street," said Peter Sandberg, an instructor at the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind.One of Sandberg's students, Keisha Scott, has been completely blind since the eighth grade. She told Channel 4 she uses the sound cars make to get around safely when out in public."You have to pay attention because every noise does count," Scott said.However, the latest craze in cars doesn't make much noise. That's why Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., has drafted legislation that would change the way hybrids sound."I think it's worth looking into because there are so many people who cross streets and depend on their hearing," Stearms said.The proposed bill would include a two-year study of hybrids and industry leaders would have a say in what changes are made. Then, carmakers would be required to put a device on hybrids that would make them loud enough for blind pedestrians to hear.Scott said it the proposed bill sounds good to her."As long as they make sound so I'll be able to walk around," she said.Stearms said carmakers were at first opposed to the bill, but he said if the bill passes, they would all work together to make sure everyone is satisfied.
Copyright 2008 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2008 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.










