[Quietcars] confused: Quiet cars Digest, Vol 23, Issue 3

Mon Nov 17 22:34:44 UTC 2008

Hi Bill,

Many of us do believe that quiet or silent cars do pose a greater danger to
blind and other pedestrians than do the more traditional vehicles.  The fact
is that internal combustion engines create sounds with pedestrians and
cyclists use during their travels whether they realize it or not.

As blind people we use engine sounds to determine whether or not to cross a
street at a particular time.  Without audible cues how would we know if
moving vehicles threaten or may hinder our passage?

We believe that sound is appropriate and necessary.  The question does exist
concerning exactly what sound is best to provide safety.  That is under
review.

I do wish to discuss another statement you made.  You said, "If the
philosophy of the NFB is that blind people should live in the world as it is
then why are we trying to change the world when it comes to quiet Cars?"
The "world as it is" is NOT just a world for sighted persons.  We all live
in the same world.  Why should the world not be sensitive to the needs of
those who may not rely totally on sight?  More than blind persons can use
most of the technology available to blind persons.  In fact, I submit that
many of the adaptive products developed and sold to blind persons would be
much less expensive if they were marketed to the other groups who could use
them.  For example, blind people use voice technology to have access to some
mobile phones.  If all cell phones talked our highways would be safer since
sighted drivers would not have to look at the phone screens to see who is
calling.

The "world as it is" is a dynamic world.  Today's world is not the world of
50 or even 25 years ago.  The world we live in is as inclusive as we make
it.  Persons of different races and genders have been fighting this battle
for many years.  So also have blind people been on the front lines of the
battle for inclusiveness and acceptance.  This struggle or battle or
whatever you wish to call it is part of the world.  So, I submit that the
NFB's position is a reasonable one and one which needs to be promoted as it
helps shape our entire world.

I hope this helps clarify some issues.  Thanks for writing.

Michael Hingson,
 NSA   
President,
The Michael Hingson Group
84 Bahama Reef
Novato, CA 94949
Phone Direct number (415) 827-4084
Fax number (415) 883-6220
Mobile/Pager (888) 965-9191
Email 
info at michaelhingson.com
 <
mailto:
info at michaelhingson.com>
For information on Michael's speaking topics, his availability, and his
consulting services on Diversity and Access Technology for blind persons
please
visit <
http://www.michaelhingson.com>
For information on Guide Dogs for the Blind please visit <
http://www.guidedogs.com>

-----Original Message-----
From: quietcars-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:quietcars-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Phil Templet
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:45 AM
To: quietcars at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Quietcars] confused: Quiet cars Digest, Vol 23, Issue 3

I write this e--mail in hopes someone can explain to me. I admit that quiet
cars have the potential to place pedestrians at risk. However, I don't
believe quiet cars place pedestrians at more risk than  diesel engine
operated vehicles, construction noises, and many everyday environmental
factors. If the philosophy of the NFB is that blind people should live in
the world as it is then why are we trying to change the world when it comes
to quiet Cars?

-----Original Message-----
From: quietcars-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:quietcars-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of quietcars-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 12:00 PM
To: quietcars at nfbnet.org
Subject: Quietcars Digest, Vol 23, Issue 3

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Today's Topics:

   1. plea to designers:  be REAL (Ken Stewart)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:48:50 -0800 (PST)
From: Ken Stewart <cclvi at yahoo.com>
Subject: [Quietcars] plea to designers:  be REAL
To: quietcars at nfbnet.org
Message-ID: <118377.96000.qm at web55802.mail.re3.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I opine that the most important four characteristics of any device or
feature added to a quiet vehicle to create sound when it is operating at
slow speeds, can be identified by the letters, R, E, A, and L.  As described
below;

R Retrofittable- it can be added to all those millions of vehicles already
out on the road.

E Easily applied, that is, the vehicle owner can install it himself without
sophisticated tools or knowledge

A Automatic, that is, no conscious decision by the driver is needed for the
device or feature to be working

L  Low-tech, that is, it does not require computerized programming,
elaborate electronics or  periodic professional maintenance

Therefore, I continue to believe that designers should be looking at hub
caps.  Design of tire treads also holds promise I think, and even modified
bumpers.

Alas, if those four criteria are met, the result will be a fifth
characteristic- It will be economical and therefore quite appealing to the
auto industry.  The acronym then becomes REAL-E, pronounced "really"!

------------------------------

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End of Quietcars Digest, Vol 23, Issue 3
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