Scientists developing protoype SUV that will allow blind to drive

US Scientists and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) are developing a car for the blind and will present a prototype next year. The vehicle will be fitted with technology that allows a blind person to drive independently, the NFB and Virginia Tech University said. Non-visual aids include sensors indicating turns in the road via vibrating gloves. Puffs of compressed air on the face will alert the driver to obstacles. Other aids to be fitted include a vibrating vest to give feedback on speed and a steering wheel with audio cues and spoken commands indicating the car's direction. Last year, Virginia Tech turned a beach buggy into an experimental vehicle for blind drivers. They used sensor lasers and cameras to act as the eyes of the buggy. The model, which will be presented next year, will be a modified Ford Escape SUV, the NFB announced.