Distraction

A bill intended to protect blind people and other pedestrians from the dangers posed by quiet cars will be introduced Wednesday in Congress.

The measure would require the Secretary of Transportation to establish safety standards for hybrids and other vehicles that make little discernible noise, including an audible means for alerting people that the cars are nearby.

Is making cars louder the wisest, and most effective, choice? Are the blind really at risk? And if so, if the purpose is to protect as many people as possible, are they the majority of pedestrians killed in car accidents? I do wonder if this is not just another case of politicians reacting to a sympathetic, and vocal, lobby. And making cars louder does seem a ridiculous idea.

References:
Congress to take up issue of silent hybrid cars.
News release by congressman Ed Towns.
The bill.