Blind pedestrians may not hear hybrid cars

[Mugu]

By Martin Zimmerman, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 29, 2008

Are hybrid cars too quiet for their own good?

Jana Littrell certainly thinks so. Littrell, who is blind, was walking through a bank parking lot in the East Bay town of Albany a year ago when her foot was run over by a Toyota Prius backing out of a parking space. She wasn't injured and the driver apologized effusively, she recalled. But the experience shook her up.

"It has definitely put me more on my guard," said Littrell, who teaches Braille to newly blind adults. "But I don't know how much good that's going to do me if I can't hear the car coming."

Concerns are growing that quiet-running hybrids such as the Prius pose a hazard to pedestrians, especially the 1.3 million Americans who are legally blind. The problem occurs when the cars are running at very low speeds on electric power, making about as much noise as a golf cart.


Complete article at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-garage29mar29,0,6250402.story

[IowaGirl]

1. They may have to put one of those irritating beepers on those cars that work when they are backing.

[WA98296]

3. Our Prius does beep when backing, and came that way. Also has a horn, and gets over 50 MPG

[NNN0LHI]

2. There are some ultra quiet motorcycles out there too

I have had a few creep up on me and go past me while walking before I knew they were there. I easily could have stepped right in front of them. Don't know what kind they are but they are damn stealthy.

I used to bitch about the loud ones. Not any more. Give me the noise.

Don

[Warpy]

9. I have an electric moped

and I've learned to be very watchful, especially when I see that white cane or guide dog.

[NNN0LHI]

10. No these were full sized gas powered motorcycles

Damn quiet. Even when I knew they were there I couldn't hear them running at all.

Don

[FraDon]

4. It's NOT just blind folks ...

We've had one over a year. When running on battery only, nobody hears them. We have unintentionally frightened pedestrians, bikers & runners dozens of times. We have had to adjust our driving style for safety reasons because of this. Frankly, I'm surprised there haven't been lawsuits on this very issue.

[KeepItReal]

6. Neighbor's Prius startled me once in our parking lot. Whisper quiet as he was parking.

Great technology, though.

[NutmegYankee]

28. lawsuit on what?

Electric motors are quiet. Where in law does it specify that the car must make continuous noise?

[roamer65]

5. It is the responsibility of the driver to be attentive...

to all things around him/her. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Hybrid drivers will just have to be extra careful like FraDon mentions in the above post.

[Austinitis]

18. That's like saying

it's up to gun owners to keep their guns away from kids. It may technically be true, but a lot of gun owners still won't and a lot of kids will still get killed.

One might think we would care more about actually keeping people from getting run over than pointing fingers...

[goddess40]

7. and bikes should make noise as well

for those that can see and choose not to look before crossing the road - too damn bad.

All drivers are responsible for watching for blind pedestrians.

The whining about the Prius being quiet sounds like sour grapes.

[Burma Jones]

8. We're going to have to develop Sonar technologies for Blind Pedestrians

I drive a hybrid Camry and make sure I look out for any and all pedestrians.......I have backup sensors AND a camera - lots of toddlers in my neighborhood, including at my house.

I suppose we could install bells or put baseball cards near our tires like we did with bicycles.....

Seriously though I understand, but do not want to give up the benefits of hybrid technology. I think we have to equip the blind with the tools they need to adapt.

[nichomachus]

11. I suppose you could say the same about bicycles

I've been whacked around by people in spandex suits (now there's something that should be regulated by the government) riding bicycles at high speeds on pedestrian walkways.

Some try to help -- not by slowing down -- but by shouting "To your left -- to your left." A) I have trouble with right and left and B) I don't know whether they mean I'm supposed to go to my left or they're going to pass me on the left. Since they're going at a high rate of speed, there isn't time for me to figure it out.

I've started carrying a stick. It helps.

[taterguy]

13. When a cyclist says "On your left" it means they're about to pass you on the left

And pay attention instead of whacking innocent people with a stick

[trof]

20. Reminds me of Amsterdam. 'DING, DING. DING, DING.'

Cyclist approaching from rear.
Very polite.

[margotb822]

12. Can't the drivers pay more attention?

I feel like this would have to put the drivers on greater alert. If they know that their car could cause a problem with blind pedestrians, they need to pay more attention (hell, all drivers need to pay more attention).

[Wizard777]

14. It's up to drivers to avoid hiting pedestrians. Not up to pedestrians to avoid being hit by drivers.

Where did you get your drivers license?

[tinrobot]

24. Sure, but isn't it best for everyone to pay attention?

I know I've saved my life a few times by paying attention at a crosswalk when a driver wasn't.

[Wizard777]

26. It couldn't hurt. But ultimately the onus is upon the driver.

[Wizard777]

15. New spin: The hybrids reduce noise pollution.

The hustle and bustle of the city will be reduced to a hum and a whir.

:applause:

[trof]

16. I LOVE to creep up on cyclists in my Prius.

I can sneak up right behind them and then just LAY on the horn.
Scares the bejesus out of them.
One old guy actually had a stroke.

Naw, not really.
But I have had that problem in our neighborhood.
I stay back and sometimes they go over a block before they notice I'm there.

[taterguy]

19. I remember you

You owe me a pair of underwear.

The ones I was wearing the last time you were behind me got a bit soiled.

[Austinitis]

17. Why can't they just put something on the cars

to make noise? It doesn't have to be an obnoxious beep-beep-beep and it doesn't have to be very loud, but that would make them a lot safer for everyone.

After all, we mandate all sorts of stuff like brake lights and turn signals...

[lonestarnot]

25. They do. It's a called a stereo blasting some Flogging Molly or other such rebel music.

[Posteritatis]

29. I endorse this product and/or service. (nt)

[jody]

21. Blind pedestrians also can't find curbs at intersections if they're sloped for wheel chairs. n/t

[applegrove]

22. Had not thought of that. Must be scary to be blind.

[chixydix]

23. deleted

:shrug:

[Stinky The Clown]

27. The Maryland HJouse has already approved a study to look into this ......

.... and many here seemingly thought it was nonsense.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=3056987