The Random Comic Strip

The Random Comic Strip

Words to live by...

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and to rest afterward."

[Spanish Proverb]

Ius luxuriae publice datum est

(The right to looseness has been officially given)

"Everyone carries a part of society on his shoulders," wrote Ludwig von Mises, "no one is relieved of his share of responsibility by others. And no one can find a safe way for himself if society is sweeping towards destruction. Therefore everyone, in his own interest, must thrust himself vigorously into the intellectual battle."

Apparently, the crossword puzzle that disappeared from the blog, came back.


Friday, July 2, 2010

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?




5 comments:

Baby Boomer Resource Guide said...

Random acts leading to endless possibilities. What is so amazing about technology is that it really has no limits it's our imagination that seems to fall short in finding solutions to common problems. 10 years from now we have high hopes of not driving any more rather our living rooms pods will be transportins us while we sit on the couch...

Inspector Clouseau said...

Speaking of the blind, some time ago, I saw a story about a blind who supposedly climbed Mt. Everest.

Here's one link.

Here's another link.

Inspector Clouseau said...

Oops, that should have been "blind man." Sorry.

Douglas said...

Baby Boomer, that is the truth. Not that I think we'll have those pods but that we often strive for something that becomes anachronistic before it's perfected.

Inspector, I read about that. I don't suppose he went (or got) to appreciate the view.

Inspector Clouseau said...

Speaking of the blind, some time ago, I saw a story about a blind who supposedly climbed Mt. Everest.

Here's one link.

Here's another link.