Edolphus Towns: “I rise to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 841, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. Today, environmentally…”

“I rise to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 841, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. Today, environmentally friendly vehicles are quickly becoming a staple in the lives of Americans who are attempting to go green. I applaud the use of technology that decreases air pollution and fossil fuel consumption; however, we must address an unforeseen consequence of such innovation. Over the years, we have heard tragic stories involving pedestrians and hybrid or electric vehicles. Not too long ago, news accounts were the story of a young child hit by a hybrid car. This accident was not caused by a driver's negligence or a car's manufacturing defect. It occurred because the child never heard the approaching car. The hybrids: engines were simply too quiet. Environmentally friendly vehicles such as hybrids often fail to produce audible sounds when driven. The silent nature of these vehicles, coupled with the growing popularity, presents a dilemma: How do we protect individuals dependent on sounds for their safety, such as unsuspecting pedestrians and the blind? The solution lies in the Pedestrian Safety Act.”