...
The issue is relevent him and other blind advocates. In light of rising gas prices, more drivers are purchasing hybrid vehicles. Madison is also one of about three dozen Wisconsin communities that allow completely electric vehicles, called NEV's, to operate on streets with fairly low speed limits. As a result, the issue is framed as being about "quiet cars," not just hybrids.

Of course, the overall quietness of a hybrid vehicle is one reason why people like Eric Powers bought one. "It is something a lot of people appreciate is having a quieter vehicle," said Powers, who also runs the Madison Hybrid Group and Hybrid Fest. "You know, even going at 20, maybe 25 miles per hour, you wouldn't hear the engine at all if they're driving on only the battery."

Powers said he became aware of the issue about two months ago.

Zenchenko is now asking auto makers to consider fitting hybrids with microchips. They would send a small radio signals to a receiver that someone like himself would carry.

"So for example, it could be mounted in my cane," he said. "Electronics are small these days." He suggested a receiver could buzz, vibrate, or give off a tone to alert the visually impaired person that a hybrid is approaching.

Powers also suggested that in finding solutions, some of this just relies on drivers themselves to be more alert. "I think really education, as part of drivers' education, really for all people, not just hybrid owners, to realize that today's cars are much quieter than they used to be," said Powers. "I don't think it's an us against them," he added. "I think we all want everyone to be safe."

There have also been ideas to have hybrid makers install some sort of speaker on vehicles when they travel at low speeds so everyone on nearby sidewalks and streets can hear them. Both people we spoke with didn't like that idea, saying there's too much noise pollution already.

We also contacted the National Federation of the Blind about this. Spokesperson Chris Danielsen insisted this is an issue, but did not have stastistics about incidents between hybrids and the visually impaired.