NFBTargetLawsuit.com

President Obama has signed into law S.841, known as the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s841/show). The primary goal is to ensure that pedestrians have some sort of warning about the proximity of vehicles which move much more silently than most people are accustomed to —  namely, electric and hybrid vehicles.

While all pedestrians stand to benefit from this legislation, this will be a significant benefit to the blind. Currently, the noise of traffic provides a myriad of sound clues which enable the blind to perceive their environment and warn them of possible dangers. As electric and hybrid vehicles do not produce anywhere near the same level of sound, the increasingly widespread use of such vehicles creates an unforeseen risk.

“The blind, like all pedestrians, must be able to travel to work, to school, to church, and to other places in our communities, and we must be able to hear vehicles in order to do so,” said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the NFB (National Federation of the Blind)(http://www.nfb.org).

“This law, which is the result of collaboration among blind Americans, automobile manufacturers, and legislators, will benefit all pedestrians for generations to come as new vehicle technologies become more prevalent.  We look forward to working with the Department of Transportation throughout the regulatory process.”

We’re also keeping an eye on HR 31 and HR 237, bills that could have an effect on home mortgage refinancing regulation. Keep us bookmarked for more updates as we get them!