(SOUND)
VOICE TWO:
That recording is from the nineteen ninety-two movie "Scent of a Woman." In the film, a blind man, Frank Slade, takes another man, Charlie Simms, for a fast ride in a Ferrari through the streets of New York City. Charlie gave the directions while Frank was the driver. For the blind Frank, it was one of the most exciting things he had ever done.
Recently, several Americans who are blind experienced a similar thrill. It took place in a restricted driving area at the University of Maryland, near Washington, DC. This time, no co-pilots were required. The car provided directions to the blind drivers.
VOICE ONE:
Students from Virginia Tech's Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory designed the Blind Driver Challenge car. The Virginia Tech team put a laser sensor on the front of the car to look for activity in nearby areas. The device sends a signal to a computer at the back of the car. The computer then takes the signal and gives the driver spoken directions on how to drive the car to avoid an accident.
For example, it might say, "Go straight. Now turn two clicks to the right. And now, turn five clicks to the left." The driver follows the directions and makes turns based on sounds that the steering wheel makes when it is turned.
VOICE TWO:
A special vibrating vest worn by the driver provides information about the vehicle's speed. There are also sensing devices that stop the engine if the vehicle gets too close to anything.
On test day, all the blind drivers were able to guide the car through the test area without any problems.
The first blind drivers to test the car were employees from the National Federation of the Blind. One of the drivers found the car's directions to be more exact and dependable than those from a human passenger. The Virginia Tech team said the blind drivers performed better than sighted drivers who carried out the tests with their eyes covered.
Team members say the new car is the first and only one that gives the blind person complete control of the vehicle. The team members are excited about the project's success. They say the new technology offers many possibilities for other projects to help the blind.
(MUSIC)
VOICE ONE:
This SCIENCE IN THE NEWS was written by June Simms and Jerilyn Watson. Our producer was Brianna Blake. I'm Bob Doughty.
VOICE TWO:
And I'm Faith Lapidus. Join us again next week for more news about science in Special English on the Voice of America.