Really???

I used to make jokes about the silliness of certain things. One of the jokes involved a movement to create Braille windshields so that the blind could drive. In fact, the idea came to mind while negotiating traffic on a southern California freeway. I thought it had already been invented.

But now... the "joke" may be moving toward reality.

Could a blind person drive a car?

From the linked article...

"Some people thought I was crazy and they thought, ‘Why do you want us to raise money for something that can’t be done?‘ Others thought it was a great idea,“ Maurer said. “Some people were incredulous. Others thought the idea was incredible.“

It doesn't involve Braille windshields. That was a bit far-fetched. What it involves is laser sensors and special gloves that will vibrate to tell the driver when and where to turn. It will also use compressed air out of a small device with tiny holes which will create a "map" for the driver.


"Advocates for the blind say it will take time before society accepts the potential of blind drivers and that the safety of the technology will need to be proven through years of testing."

I tend to agree. I can see this technology being used to provide more mobility for the sight-impaired. I am not so sure I want to share the road with them, though.

I have one question... will they also get Braille phones so they can text while heading for the next bar to have a few more drinks?