[Nfbmo] FW: National Federation of the Blind Commends Senate for Passage of Safet...

[DanFlasar at aol.com]

Hi all,
    I've been talking this subject up with some of my  sighted friends 
lately - one of whom is considering a hybrid.  I know of  some of the possible 
solutions to the quiet car issue but as far as I know, this  bill is designed 
to study, evaluate solutions and come up with standards to  implement.  The 
note below does not
indicate what the bill does.   Can someone give me a short  description of 
exactly what this bill will do when it 
is implemented - specifically, please - the ultimate goal is  understood.
Thanks,
Dan
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 12/10/2010 9:28:28 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
GWunder at earthlink.net writes:

 
Folks, here is a follow-up to my message asking that we work  for passage 
in the House. We are close, but without House action, this is  dead. 
Gary 
FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE 
CONTACT: 
Chris  Danielsen 
Director of Public  Relations 
National Federation of the  Blind 
(410) 659-9314, extension  2330 
(410) 262-1281  (Cell) 
cdanielsen at nfb.org 
National Federation of  the Blind Commends
Senate for Passage of Safety  Legislation
Urges Swift Passage by House of  Representatives
Washington, D.C. (December 10,  2010): The National Federation of  the 
Blind today commended the United States Senate for passing the Pedestrian  
Safety Enhancement Act (S. 841), which will protect the blind and other  
pedestrians from injury as a result of silent vehicle technology.   

Because blind pedestrians cannot locate and evaluate traffic using  their 
vision, they must listen to traffic to discern its speed, direction, and  
other attributes in order to travel safely and independently.  Other  people, 
including pedestrians who are not blind, bicyclists, runners, and  small 
children, also benefit from hearing the sound of vehicle engines.   New vehicles 
that employ hybrid or electric engine technology can be silent,  rendering 
them extremely dangerous in situations where vehicles and  pedestrians come 
into proximity with each other.

“The National Federation of the Blind commends  the United States Senate 
for the wise and decisive action taken today to  preserve the right to safe 
and independent travel for the blind,” said Dr.  Marc Maurer, President of the 
National Federation of the Blind.  “The  blind, like all pedestrians, must 
be able to travel to work, to school, to  church, and to other places in our 
communities, and we must be able to hear  vehicles in order to do so.  This 
bill, which is the result of  collaboration among blind Americans, 
automobile manufacturers, and  legislators, will benefit all pedestrians for 
generations to come as new  vehicle technologies become more prevalent.  We now 
call upon the House of  Representatives to pass this  legislation as quickly as 
possible so that it can be sent to the President’s  desk for his signature 
before the close of the year.” 
“I’m a major advocate of hybrids—I own  one, I drive one, and I’ve seen 
firsthand their environmental and economic  benefits,” said Senator John 
Kerry, the sponsor of the Pedestrian Safety  Enhancement Act.  “This  
legislation will allow us to continue to promote our energy independence and  
technological innovation while safeguarding those who use senses other than  sight 
to navigate the roads.”  
“The Alliance of Automobile  Manufacturers is proud of this legislation, 
which is the result of our  cooperative relationship with advocates for blind 
pedestrians,” said Dave  McCurdy, President and CEO of the Alliance of 
Automobile Manufacturers.  “We believe that this legislation  represents a 
common-sense approach to ensure that the blind and other  pedestrians remain safe 
as new vehicle technologies  emerge.” 

### 
About the National Federation of  the Blind 

With more than 50,000 members,  the National Federation of the Blind is the 
largest and most influential  membership organization of blind people in 
the United  States.  The NFB improves blind people’s  lives through advocacy, 
education, research, technology, and programs  encouraging independence and 
self-confidence.  It is the leading force in  the blindness field today and 
the voice of the nation's blind.  In  January 2004 the NFB opened the 
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan  Institute, the first research and 
training center in the United  States for the blind led by the blind.   Please 
visit our Web site: _www.nfb.org_ (http://www.nfb.org/) .