Hybrid Cars pose threat to blind pedestrians

As technology advances, so must the visually impaired. While many technological advances have helped the blind and visually impaired become more independent, one advance in technology threatens to hinder the independence of many visually-impaired.

Hybrid cars, which switch between a gasoline engine and an electric motor, offer better gas mileage and less pollution than traditional cars. However, because the vehicles use electric power when traveling at slow to moderate speeds, such as when leaving a red light or stop sign, or entering or exiting a parking lot or driveway, it is so quiet that it is virtually undetectable to the visually impaired who rely on sound cues to travel safely.

This situation was first brought to light last April, when Michael Osborn, a blind marketing consultant in California was nearly struck by a hybrid vehicle while in the middle of an intersection. Mr. Osborn's guide dog, Hastings, stopped short, and following his dog's cue, Osborn stopped just in time to feel the breeze from the passing car. But what would have happened if Osborn would have been traveling without a dog?

Debbie Stein, a leader of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, did her own experiment with a Toyota Prius. When a family friend arrived at her home driving a Prius, Debbie asked him to take the car for a short drive while she remained outside to see if she could hear the car. She heard her friend slam the door, then nothing, until minutes later, the car door opened, and her friend,returning from a drive around the block, asked if she had heard it. She asked him why he didn't start the car. The hybrid is so quit that even a trained ear, awaiting the noise, was unable to detect it.

As more hybrid vehicles take to the roadways, a solution to this quiet problem must be found before visually impaired pedestrians end up seriously injured or dead. Currently, there is no way to track pedestrian injuries or deaths related to low-noise cars, as police reports often do not list the type of automobile involved in pedestrian-auto collisions, and the insurance industry does not collect those figures either. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths have increased about 2% since 2000.

The National Federation for the Blind is taking a proactive stance on this matter and has formed a committee on Automobile and Pedestrian safety. Gary Wunder, a committee member, says "We want to get ahead of this and not have to wait until five blind people end up seriously hurt or dead."

The automotive industry has yet to make a stand on the concerns. Charles Territo, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, an industry group, says he wasn't aware of the issue. "We're interested in hearing about the concerns of the blind community, and we'll work with them to ensure that they're addressed," Territo said.

The visually impaired must work together to solve this problem. If you have had experiences involving quiet cars or if you have ideas about solutions to the problem, please contact us at IB West or contact Debbie Stein at (773) 631-1093