HI SCR47

Urges the Department of Transportation to promote driver awareness of pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired through public education campaigns.

Recommends specific awareness measures including posters in public facilities, radio and television advertisements, and street signs in high-pedestrian areas.

Notes that Hawaii experiences over 500 serious pedestrian accidents annually with 20-30 fatalities, and that blind and visually impaired pedestrians face additional risks.

Addresses the hazard posed by electric and hybrid vehicles, which produce minimal noise at low speeds and make it difficult for visually impaired pedestrians to determine when it is safe to cross using auditory cues.

Directs certified copies be sent to the Director of Transportation, Chair of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Executive Director of the Disability and Communications Access Board.