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Arkansas Gazette - "Bell the Hybrid"

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by bwilson4web, Aug 26, 2008.

  1. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    No I just called you on adding a rediculous requirement that a safety feature should not be added TO THE OUTSIDE of a car without data.

    I guess I should rephrase my original question.

    Why do blind people hate Prius drivers? Is it a conspiracy with the Big 3 to kill hybrids? I did see earlier posts that traditional auto manufactures were behind the issue. How did they buy off The National Federation For The Blind?
     
  2. PriusSport

    PriusSport senior member

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    I believe the Prius risk is far greater to the Oil Lobby than to blind people. And that's probably the source of stuff like this. It's called negative advertising.
     
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The blind discussed backup alarms in their statements at the NHTSA hearing. Why don't you find the transcript, read and quote what they had to say.

    But in reality, the backup beep inside the cabin is nonsense. It does not tell those outside of the car that it is about to move in reverse. Common sense says let the outside world know what the driver already knows, they are going into reverse.

    Why do you hate people behind backing up Prius?

    Bob Wilson
     
  4. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    I'll let you find the transcript for me.
     
  5. robbyr2

    robbyr2 New Member

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    As noted earlier, the according to the NFB, the only solution is to make a hybrid (NOT an electric-only) make an ICE sound like it's idling when it's idling, make an ICE sound like it's accelerating when it's accelerating, and make an ICE sound like it's decelerating when it's decelerating. There is nothing about making a construction-equipment-like beeping sound when going down the road. Nothing is said about natural gas- or hydrogen-powered cars either. Just hybrids. And if we don't do something about this thousands will die!

    As for the other assertions in the article, I think we would have heard about the charge that a hybrid has actually hit a blind person, knocked away their canes, or run over a blind person's foot. I might note, none of that strikes me as a high-speed incident. And I've never heard of such a situation that was entirely the driver's fault. Not even when I got hit 25 years ago while crossing a street.

    These are the same folks that made the multi-story parking garage where I used to work put up braille numbers for the floors to the parking garage.

    I'm diabetic. Why don't we make Krispy Kreme stop selling or advertising those tempting donuts?
     
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Look folks, "Dave_PH" is trying to keep us from going to the Arkansas Gazette and answering the newspaper article. He is just another troll from a long list of ignorant trolls. In his case, exceptionally easy "red meat."

    Really, our efforts need to be directed to public forums: "letters to the editor," our Congressional representatives both House and Senate, and any other public media that "echos" this nonsense. A "Dave_PH" brings nothing that isn't already out there but he does serve one useful purpose:

    • He lets us share once again the facts and data
    Use the replies to "Dave_PH" to sharpen your pens, your keyboard, your arguments and apply them where it can do some good. Redirect your anger at "Dave_PH" to spur effective action.

    In my case, I've already selecting the keyfob development system for the demo system as well as other hardware to put this nonsense to rest. If Congress has additional hearings and by any hook or crook I get a seat at the table, we can thank "Dave_PH" for some of my energy and enthusiasm. No, you don't need to find more "Dave_PH" trolls, there are plenty enough already. But use them for what little good they can provide:

    1. foil for your arguments, facts and data
    2. motivations for one more call, letter or action
    Bob Wilson
     
  7. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    Yes, Big Oil is paying me off.

    But I just lost $0.50 by replying to you. I get $1.00 for every rational poster I can distract but I lose money for delaying a post from a ranting paranoid wacko who will make Prius owners look bad.
     
  8. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Funny you should mention this. It turns out that "Lotus Engineering" recently flooded both USA and foreign press with an announcement of their "Prius noise maker." This seem really strange until you consider:

    • Lotus makes no hybrid - in fact they had to find a car from their competition, a Toyota Prius, to make their noise generator demonstration system.
    • National Federation of the Blind - recently announced a "white cane" giveaway to anyone who asks. An organization that often has faced severe budget problems is now awash in "white canes" to give away.
    • Paid lobbyist - there is a lobbyist who is supporting this effort and he even gave me his business card when I was in DC at the June 23 hearing
    • California kids company - the original proposal for noise makers came from the college kids, a company called at one time PANDA (perhaps from pandering?) but now "Lotus Engineering" has stepped up to the plate
    Many of us realized that "CNW Marketing" was just a front for companies that wanted to kill hybrid electrics. They tried to use insults and made up sh*t to try and stop hybrid electric sales. None of that worked but now, HR 5734 would ban a whole class of vehicles, outlaw them, if these expensive and useless noise makers are not part of each one ... curious.

    I also noticed that there is a high concentration of HR 5734 co-sponsors from the Michigan, Chicago, and Detroit area. Amazing coincidence but true.

    So I've changed and adapted to my 'honorable competition' and know how to 'skin the cat.' As for our friendly and now lazy troll, "Dave_PH," don't go away, yet. We are not done with you my friend, not by a long shot. <GRINS>

    Bob Wilson
     
  9. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    Ahhh, proof that they've been paid off in white canes.

    You've certainly put me in my place with that little tidbit.

    Maybe tomorrow you can tell me the one about Thermite and 9/11
     
  10. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Not really, they at least offer some intellectual challenge. <YAWN>

    Bob Wilson
     
  11. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Cop out...you're blindly (sic) throwing out (Trolling?) comments yet you've done ZERO research on this subject. You're unwilling to listen to those of us who have. You're unwilling to do any research. Yet you're self-assured that you can't possibly be wrong. Ignorance truely is bliss I guess.
     
  12. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    Oh I can can see that you're intellectually challenged.
     
  13. robbyr2

    robbyr2 New Member

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    Don't get too worried about some of the replies. Current Prius owners understand that the only way to meet the requirements proposed by the NFB is to eliminate any vehicle not powered by an ICE. If you check other posts, you find not everyone in this thread now owns a Prius (even those he says he does).
     
  14. jeffreykb

    jeffreykb Junior Member

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    The auto industry spends so much time, money, and effort to make their vehicles quieter...this is just too comical. I guess the hot-rodders are already doing their part for public safety. :)
     
  15. donee

    donee New Member

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    Your first sentance is the very definition of a Rush Limbaugh debate. Efusco made a very well reasoned, and proved (by the actual facts - do your research) comment. And you liken him to somebody who does neither.

    BALOOONNEEEYYY!!!!!
     
  16. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    I just returned from speaking to a blind neighbor. It's disturbing, she doesn't want to be confined in her home because of these silent death machines.

    How can you be so self centered as to terrorize our most vulnerable fellow human beings. Take the money you save in gas and invest in the technology that will make hybrids and the EVs that are the true future safe for everyone.
     
  17. PrematurelyGray

    PrematurelyGray Junior Member

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    Oh, for heaven's sake, why don't you all just do what I do? I lean out of the driver's window and yell, "Hey you vision challenged (or age-challenged) individual! I'm in a sometimes quiet hybrid car, called a Prius. I'm stopped just __fill in the distance___feet from you and I promise to let you cross without striking you." Or, wait a minute. Sometimes I don't yell out and just do the prudent thing and drive defensively and with caution.

    Easy peasy!
     
  18. bif

    bif Gas Saver

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    Just ignore Dave PH. He doesn't own a Prius and probably never will.
     
  19. Dave_PH

    Dave_PH New Member

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    I did. I sold it after 2 months. I'll buy another hybrid or EV when they're road ready and not a danger to children and the disabled.

    You really can't get any lower than attacking the blind and their advocacy groups.

    Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. You are self centered and sick.

    I will get involved on their side.
     
  20. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    If your still pulling up the kid hitting the prius as support for your cause, then it sounds like you guys are promoting this type of message instead of thinking of the bigger issue:
    [​IMG]

    also...
    . If they're already stopping, then it should be safe to cross.