Blind people want louder hybrids... - Page 4 - GreenHybrid

rmorrow · #31 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 05:45 AM

Peace. I'm not going to argue those points at all - they are all valid, and I don't disagree. My only argument (perhaps poorly stated) is that a lot of people are reacting in a very "knee-jerk" fashion to a problem that I think is overstated. That's all - it goes no deeper than that.

gumby · #32 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 06:01 PM

We're cool.

I just wanted to ensure that the "total crap" argument is de-bunked - at least a little.

I agree this issue is not a large one, and often seen as overblown. It affects a small population as well. But there *should* be some intelligent way to overcome the situation.

Good discussion.

FastMover · #33 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gumby

.... I agree this issue is not a large one, and often seen as overblown. It affects a small population as well. But there *should* be some intelligent way to overcome the situation. ...

Agreed, however un-essential noise is also a form of polution, so I am not certain that requiring a noise maker on every quiet vehicle is the best response. Perhaps we should consider intersection sensors at crosswalks or enhancement of traffic cameras to permit them to put out an audio signal that could be routed to the crosswalk speakers. Maybe we could even develop a small portable device that would permit the car to be "seen" via localized audo tactile feed back to its user. (A small vibrator in a stick or cane or similar).

While I would quite like the sound of my big brass loco bell (earlier post), I would not like its appearance!

gumby · #34 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 06:48 PM

Some of those ideas seem feasible!
I'm absolutely NOT saying that the ONLY solution is to make our cars noisier, although that's probably the easiest solution. Innovative thinking is a good thing, and I think if more of it occurred, someone would devise a reasonable, workable solution.
I'd actually prefer a solution that would make intersections safer for us all, sighted or not.