Joint Statement on U.S. Department of Transportation Announcement on Quiet Car Rule Timeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a 6-month extension for the quiet car rule, which requires audible sounds be equipped on electric and hybrid electric vehicles to help the blind and people with low vision be aware when a vehicle is nearby. This extension is needed in response to COVID-19-related manufacturing delays.
The statement below is attributable to both organizations:
“Auto Innovators, our members, and the National Federation of the Blind appreciate the Department of Transportation’s decision. The action by DOT recognizes the need for a balance between the industry’s urgency to act, and the unforeseen disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, all North American auto manufacturing facilities shut down for the first time since World War II, which impacted the ability of manufacturers to fully implement the quiet car rule. DOT’s grant of limited flexibility will help ensure that the public, and particularly blind, low-vision, and other road users, will have the important safety benefits of sound-generating systems on electric and hybrid electric vehicles without unnecessary delay.”
About the Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Formed in 2020, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is the singular, authoritative and respected voice of the automotive industry. Focused on creating a safe and transformative path for sustainable industry growth, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents the manufacturers producing nearly 99 percent of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. The newly established organization, a combination of Global Automakers and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, will be directly involved in regulatory and policy matters impacting the light-duty vehicle market across the country. Members include motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, technology and other automotive-related companies and trade associations. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in Detroit, MI and Sacramento, CA. For more information, visit www.autosinnovate.org
About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at www.nfb.org.
Press Contacts:
Wade Newton, Vice President of Communications, Alliance for Automotive Innovation
wnewton@autosinnovate.org
(202) 326-5571
Chris Danielsen, Director of Public Relations, National Federation of the Blind
cdanielsen@nfb.org
(410) 659-9314 ext. 2330