Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), in conjunction with Vision Australia, are working to explore and understand the impact of silent cars and bicycles on people who are blind or have low vision.
We know that pedestrians who are blind or have low vision are exposed to increased risk when using our road network to travel independently. In particular, there has been growing concern since the introduction of electric/hybrid cars, which can be difficult to detect and may make it impossible to recognise oncoming traffic. Whilst we know this is an important issue, there has been little research to date that documents the experiences of people who are blind or have low vision with silent cars.
If you are blind or have low vision and have encountered safety issues with electric cars or bicycles while travelling, we want to hear from you. We’re asking you to complete a 15-minute survey on your travel experiences, and encounters with electric/hybrid vehicles or bicycles.
The study is particularly interested in participants’ experiences navigating these potential hazards during independent travel. This information will inform the development of proposed countermeasures designed to enhance safety for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.
To participate, fill in the survey here. If you would like assistance to complete the survey, please contact Vision Australia on 1300 847 466.