A new technology that would allow blind people drive a car without exposing them or other drivers to risks is now taking shape and researchers involved in the project are working on a prototype to show the world that blind people can drive too. The National Federation of the Blind and Virginia Tech developed what it's called “nonvisual interfaces”, a top-notch platform that basically keeps a blind driver up to date with all things that happen near him.
Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, discussed the possibility of such a project about ten years ago but most people were talking about the chances to succeed in hesitant manner.
"We're exploring areas that have previously been regarded as unexplorable," said Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind. "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.
The first public demonstration will take place in Daytona Beach, Fla. near the Daytona racetrack, freep.com reported, when blind people will try to simulate a typical driving session with the help of a special vehicle. The car is based on Virginia Tech's project registered for the DARPA Grand Challenge in 2007 which consists of driverless cars developed with money provided by the Defense Department, as the aforementioned source noted.
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