[Quietcars] How will the Start/Stop system affect blind pedestrians?

[Jewel S.]

Dear List,
I have been reading a lot lately about the introduction of the
start/stop system into the American autobmobile industry, and I have
much concern about it. I am not sure if I understand the start/stop
system completely correctly, and I hope you can shed some list on it
for me.

>From what I've been reading, the start/stop system is much like the
hybrid concept except that it doesn't have the electronic component.
According to an article on Smart Planet, "when an equipped car stops,
so does its engine." ("American Cars Will Soon Get 'Start-Stop'
Fule-Saving Tech,
www.smartplanet.com/technology/.../american...start-stop.../5231/). If
this is so, wouldn't that mean that when the car is idling, it will be
silent, just like quiet cars?

How will this start-stop system affect blind pedestrians' ability to
determine idling traffic at stop signs, red lights, waiting to turn
from a parking lot or driveway, or in other similar situations? I fear
that it will make the roads even more dangerous for blind pedestrians
who rely on the sound of idling traffic to know if there is a car to
look out for.

With concern,
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com