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Friday, October 05, 2007

CLAIM: They Didn't Hear that Prius Coming!
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Where's King Solomon when you need him?

A fascinating new controversy has arisen. At lease four influential advocacy groups are drawing swords. Wisdom is urgently needed or this time it doesn't look good for the screaming baby!

Blind people claim it is no longer safe to cross the street because they cannot hear low-speed hybrid vehicles.

The National Foundation for the Blind (NFB) is pushing automakers to install some type of noisemaker on these eco-friendly vehicles in order that blind pedestrians avoid getting that run-down feeling.

NFB announced results of an unscientific test wherein blind participants claimed they were unable to hear low speed hybrid vehicles crossing their path. Maybe so, but I bet their Guide Dogs would have heard those cars!

Honk if you've already heard this story. I found two previous versions dating back to late 2005.

Wait! This conflict has room for more plaintiffs. Meet NoiseOFF, a nongovernmental organization established to raise awareness about the hazards of noise pollution. Its founder argues that Americans need less traffic noise, not more. Nevertheless, the Association of International Auto Manufacturers is studying the feasibility of establishing minimum noise level standards for hybrid vehicles.

This complex dispute is approaching biblical proportions. (Sorry, I can't stop myself!)

Blessed are the peacemakers. Couldn't they just clip a baseball card to the hubcap so it clicks every time it strikes the fender? That's what I did with my 27" Schwinn Deluxe Racer back in 1964?

Wait, Old Sol, don't divide the infant yet. There's more!

Prius owners approach the throne. They contend that all automotive drivers (operating on diesel, gas, hybrid, biofuel, or whatever) have a universal responsibility to drive carefully at all times and to give all pedestrians the right of way. Every day drivers strike pedestrians, most of whom could clearly see and hear the oncoming car. Maybe they need to put the noisemaker or a flashing signal on the blind pedestrian's cane to alert drivers.

Your Highness, that blade is getting mighty close. Whose rights take precedence?

Hey, the auto makers have yet to weigh in. Detroit (er, ...Tokyo) is resistant to adding anything that will increase manufacturing costs and jeopardize profits, especially if it only going to help a small number of people who can never be their customers.

His Highness is losing his royal patience.

"Please, everybody, sit down and put away the swords. Common sense must prevail." Every activity in life carries risks and everybody has personal responsibilities. Slow-speed hybrid drivers need to remain watchful for all pedestrians. If you are the only car in town you may want to open the window and turn up the radio a bit. Worried about noise pollution? Drive faster but make sure you don't get a speeding ticket.

Your Highness? Your Highness? Where did he go?

If he were still alive today I suspect King Solomon would sprint to the parking lot, jump into his brand new Lexus LX570 SUV (remember, he IS royalty), carefully check the rear view camera monitor before backing out, and drive away as fast as possible. Wise people know that some disputes are unsolvable.


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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 5:27 AM

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