A bill requiring the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study determining a minimum acceptable level of sound for automobiles will be taken up today by the House of Representatives.

The measure, in response to new, environmentally-friendly cars like the Toyota Prius that are practically silent, is being considered as a matter of safety for pedestrians, in particular the blind.

The bill, known as the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008, is being sponsored by Rep. Edolphus Towns (Democrat, New York) and Rep. Cliff Stearns (Republican, Florida).

In an issued statement Towns said, "The beneficial trend toward more environmentally friendly vehicles has had the unintended effect of placing the blind and other pedestrians in danger. As someone who taught travel with a white cane to the blind for many years, I understand that the sound of traffic is critically important in order for them to travel safely and independently."

Like a bill passed in Maryland in March, the federal measure would call on the government to work with organizations representing the blind, similar groups that work for pedestrian safety, and the auto industry itself. If enacted into law, the industry would have two years to fulfill the safety requirements.

"This bill will prevent many injuries and fatalities while still allowing more clean vehicles on our nation's roads," said Towns.