[Nfbv-announce] Fairfax Chapter to Talk about recent "Quiet Cars" Safety Act

[john Bailey]

Fairfax Chapter to Talk about recent "Quiet Cars" Safety Act

On June 17, at the Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind,
the chapter will have as its guest. Mr. Strassburger from the Automobile
Alliance.

The Automobile Alliance is an organization composed of the major automakers
and they are working with the NFB and other blindness organizations to
sculpt legislation that will make hybrid ("Quiet Cars") safer for the public
and the blind. He will be there to answer our questions and hear our
comments.

Even though hybrid cars are more fuel efficient because they utilize both
battery electric power and a gasoline engine, they have a problem that puts
the public in danger. When powered under 35mph, these automobiles are
working under battery power and therefore emit no engine noise as they go
down streets or move through intersections. This lack of sound as they move
endangers everyone who uses their hearing to identify when it is safe to
cross the street.  This includes all pedestrians along with the blind.

Below is a recent announcement from the NFB describing the progress being
made to solve this problem. Please come to our Thursday, June 17, 2010 6:30
PM meeting at the Red Lobster in Fairfax city to learn more about the issue
and to give your comments. See the bottom of the email for more information
about the meetings time and location.


A message from Jesse M. Hartle
Government Programs Specialist
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
Telephone:  (410) 659-9314, extension 2233 Dear Fellow Federationists:

I am writing to report that all of our hard work on the issue of silent cars
is paying off.  Language that will protect the blind and others from the
danger posed by silent hybrid and electric vehicles has been favorably
reported to the United States House of Representatives by the Committee on
Energy and Commerce as part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 (H.R.
5381).  This legislation, which is a comprehensive bill to address numerous
vehicle safety issues raised by the recent Toyota recalls, now includes
language agreed to by the National Federation of the Blind, the Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers, and the Association of International Automobile
Manufacturers.  If passed by the House of Representatives and adopted by the
Senate, this language will require the Department of Transportation to issue
regulations requiring a minimum sound standard for hybrid and electric
automobiles.

This victory is a product of our hard work and the cooperation of the
automobile industry, but we will need to remain vigilant to make sure this
bill becomes law.  We will keep you apprised of developments and let you
know if action needs to be taken to secure this victory.

Thank you again for all you do.

Sincerely,


Jesse M. Hartle
Government Programs Specialist
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
Telephone:  (410) 659-9314, extension 2233
E-mail: <mailto:jhartle at nfb.org>jhartle at nfb.org

The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is one of over
700 chapters throughout the United States whose goal is to improve the
opportunities of the blind so that they can reach their true potential. We
meet the third Thursday of each month in the City of Fairfax. For more
information about the chapter and its meeting location, go to our website at
www.nfbv.org. Or call chapter President John Bailey at 703.994.2040.