[Nfbf-l] Fw: [nfb-talk] Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act Introduced

[Dan Hicks]

Even before the official Washington Seminar kickoff, we gain some support 
from a Florida Congressman. Please see below.

Dan


"If you want to go quickly, go alone.
 If you want to go far, go together."
                        - African Proverb


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Freeh,Jessica (by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>)" 
<JFreeh at nfb.org>
To: <david.andrews at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 1:53 PM
Subject: [nfb-talk] Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act Introduced


> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
>
>
> CONTACT:
>
> Christopher S. Danielsen
>
> Director of Public Relations
>
> National Federation of the Blind
>
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
>
> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
>
> <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org
>
>
>
> U.S. Representatives Edolphus Towns and Cliff Stearns
> Introduce Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act
>
>
>
> National Federation of the Blind Applauds Measure
>  to Protect Lives and Preserve Independence of Blind Americans
>
>
>
> Washington, DC (January 28, 2009):  Representatives Edolphus "Ed" Towns 
> (D-NY) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL) today introduced H.R. 734, a bill intended 
> to protect the blind and other pedestrians from injury or death as a 
> result of silent vehicle technology.  The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement 
> Act of 2009 requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on 
> how to protect the blind and others from being injured or killed by 
> vehicles using hybrid, electric, and other silent engine technologies. 
> Thirty-two original co-sponsors have already signed on to the bill.
>
>
>
> 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 appreciates the wise and decisive 
> action taken today by Congressmen Towns and Stearns 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 without being injured or killed.  This 
> bill will benefit all pedestrians for generations to come as new vehicle 
> technologies become more prevalent.  The blind of America will do 
> everything in our power to ensure its swift passage."
>
>  "The beneficial trend toward more environmentally friendly vehicles has 
> had the unintended effect of placing the blind and other pedestrians in 
> danger," said Representative Towns.  "As someone who taught travel with a 
> white cane to the blind for many years, I understand that the sound of 
> traffic is critically important in order for them to travel safely and 
> independently.  This bill will prevent many injuries and fatalities while 
> still allowing more clean vehicles on our nation's roads."
>
>
>
> "I understand the safety concerns of blind pedestrians with these quiet 
> automobiles; I have heard the same concerns from senior citizens in my 
> district, and I appreciate the threat to children, bicyclists, and 
> runners," said Representative Stearns.  "I deeply appreciate the support 
> of all parties in supporting this important safety legislation."
>
>
>
> The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation, within ninety days of 
> its enactment, to commence a two-year study to determine the best means to 
> provide the blind and other pedestrians with information about the 
> location, motion, speed, and direction of vehicles.  Upon completion of 
> the study, the Secretary will report the findings of the study to Congress 
> and, within ninety days, establish a minimum vehicle safety standard for 
> all new vehicles sold in the United States.  Automobile manufacturers will 
> have two years to comply with the vehicle safety standard.
>
>
>
>
>
> ###
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
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