[Mn-abs] Fw: National Federation of the Blind to Address United Nations Forum

[Jennifer Dunnam]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Public Relations Specialist

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org

National Federation of the Blind to Address United Nations Forum

Leading Organization of Blind Americans 
Will Discuss the Danger Posed by Silent Hybrid Vehicles
 
Baltimore, Maryland (November 7, 2008): The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of the blind in the United States and a leading advocate for the rights of blind people around the world, will address the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (United Nations Working Party 29) at its upcoming meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on the dangers posed to the blind by silent vehicle technologies like those used in hybrid and electric vehicles.  John G. Pare Jr., executive director for strategic initiatives for the National Federation of the Blind, will address the United Nations working group on November 12, 2008, providing information on how blind people currently travel safely and independently and how the silence of new vehicles poses a danger to the blind, cyclists, runners, small children, and other pedestrians.

 

"The number of silent vehicles will substantially increase in the coming years, posing life-threatening danger to blind people across the globe," said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind.  "Automobile manufacturers and regulators in all nations should immediately take concerted action to ensure that all vehicles emit a safe level of sound so that pedestrians are warned of their approach and so that the blind can continue to use the sound of traffic as a tool for independent travel as we go about our daily business."

 

 

 

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