Quiet Car

The topic for the last CCB meeting was quiet cars and blind/VI pedestrians. The Guide Dogs of the Desert brought a popular Toyota Prius for demo. Usually the meeting is small, but last one was very well attended. People discussed possible legislations and other solutions to prevent accidents involving blind/VI and quiet cars.

So what's wrong with those popular hybrid cars? They are quiet, fuel-efficient, and good for the environment. Many companies and government agencies give incentives for "Going Green."
The problem is its quietness! When they travel, blind/VI people use the traffic noise to determine if it's safe to cross the street. Traffic noise is a good marker for their orientation too. Blind people learn a great deal to listen for traffic in order to travel independently & safely. Yes, a white cane and/or a guide dog are their mobility aids, but the final call is on the blind individuals. However, with hybrid car being so smooth and quiet, a blind person wouldn't know that car is right there until it's too late!

After the meeting, there was a demo so people can experience it. Nikki & I saw the Prius passing back & forth right in front of us. We didn't hear a thing when it zoomed right by us!!! They say that cane users are more at risk than guide dog users when it comes to quiet cars because the dogs can see the car coming and engage in the fabulous Intelligent Disobedience. That means more stressful work cut out for us guide dogs!!!

We live in the city, and cars are everywhere along with bikers & skate boarders and stuff on the sidewalk! You just don't know what I'm dealing with when I'm wearing harness!!!