[Blindtlk] Start/Stop System Implementation in the US?

[Jewel S.]

I read in the Associated Press that the automobile industry here in
the U.S. will be implementing a system that has been used in Europe
for some time now in order to cut down on waste of gas while idly. The
start/stop system cuts off a car's engine when the car is in idle,
such as at red lights and in traffic. This is much like the hybrid
cars, which also cut off the engine while in idle.

However, this poses a problem in a similar way as hybrid cars do. If
blind pedestrians cannot tell if there is an idling car, will this
pose a problem for independent travel? I think so. There is
anintersection near my apartment complex that rarely has traffic on
one street and has almost constant traffic on the other. The only time
I can cross is when the light changes, for which I need to know when
the cars are idling or there just isn't any cars at that moment.

What do you all think of this, and should there be something added to
the Quiet Car Bill about this?

With concern,
Jewel

-- 
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com