Monday, June 23, 2008

POLICY: New Silent Vehicles Bring Safety Concerns

On June 23, 2008 the National Federation of the Blind asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation to review potential safety issues posed to the blind and other pedestrians by silent engine technology used in hybrid and electric automobiles.

Without visual cues, the blind must depend on hearing to determine where running vehicles are as well as their direction. The National Federation of the Blind advocates the establishment of a minimum sound standard for all new vehicles sold and licensed in the United States.

No comments: