[nabs-l] Pedestrian safety improvement act

[Linda Stover]

Jim,

There is nothing in this act hindering the development of this
technology.  All that we are asking is that a small device be
installed in the car so that when it is running on a battery, it will
make enough noise to be heard.

I, too, do not want to hinder the progress of society, and I, too, am
an environmentalist,, but I also do not want to endanger my own
safety.  Without these devices, as hybrids become more prevalent, it
will be extremely difficult for blind pedestrians to travel
independtly and be safe while doing so.
Just offering an alternative perspective.
Courtney

On 4/23/09, Jim Reed <jim275_2 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hello,
> I am not quite sure how to feel on this issue. On one hand, quiet cars might
> pose a saftey risk to blind persons and others, but on the other hand, there
> is such a thing as noise pollution, air pollution, dependence on forign oil,
> and enviromental damage.
>
> Aditionally, there is another element of this issue related to the support
> or hinderance of societal progress. Hybrids represent the next great leap in
> our society, if additional laws are passed regulating this development, it
> may prove to hinder the development of the hybrid car. Remember, the impact
> of hybrid cars isnt just a blindness issue, there are much more importiant
> nation issues at stake. For example, national security risk via a dependence
> of forign oil.
>
> There are also economic concerns. The continued research and development of
> hybrids, alternative fuels, and  "green" energy, will potentially be the
> savior of our economy. If hybrids become the next big thing, they could
> jumpstart the nearly dead auto industry, thus helping our economy and
> individual families. If you go to the national convention in Detroit, you
> will all see first hand the conciquences of this current economic collapes.
> Now is the time to be supporting industy and inovation, not hindering it.
>
> Lastly, if blind independence is truely the goal of the NFB and blind
> persons, then the burden is on us -- blind people-- to adapt to the changing
> world, the burden is not on the world to adapt to us. Perhaps in the era of
> silent cars, it may be time to tweak cane-travel methodologies?
>
> I can't support this. I will not be a party to the hinderance of societal
> progress, continued enviromental degradfation,  or further economic decline.
> I will not expect industy or tax payers to foot the bill because I (we)
> refuse to adapt.
>
> Well thats my two cents
> Jim
>
> "Ignorance killed the cat; curiosity was framed."
>
>
>
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