[Nfbv-announce] National Federation of the Blind Commends Senate for Passage of Safety Legislation

[John Bailey]

Be sure to visit www.VirginiaQuietCars.org and leave your comments at 
www.blog.VirginiaQuietCars.org.

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.


John Bailey
703.994.2040
info at VirginiaQuietCars.org
National Federation of the Blind of Virginia