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Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), in conjunction with Vision Australia are currently conducting research to understand the impact of silent cars and bicycles on people who are blind or have low vision, and we need your help!

We know that pedestrians who are blind or have low vision are exposed to increased risk when using our road network to travel independently. In particular, there has been growing concern since the introduction of electric/hybrid cars, which can be difficult to detect and may make it impossible to recognise oncoming traffic. Whilst we know this is an important issue, there has been little research to date that documents the experiences of people who are blind or have low vision with silent cars.

If you are blind or have low vision and have encountered safety issues with electric cars or bicycles while travelling, we want to hear from you. Two focus groups will be held during June, to gather your feedback and help us understand more about how silent traffic affects you. Each participant will receive a $100 gift card as a token of our appreciation for your time.

Focus Group Details

Session 1:

  • Date: Wednesday 20 June
  • Time: 7pm to 9pm
  • Location: Vision Australia, 454 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong. This session is only available to people in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Vision Australia will cover your travel expenses if you are attending this session.

Session 2:

  • Date: Monday 25 June
  • Time: 7pm to 9pm
  • Location: This session will be held via Zoom, to enable people across Australia to participate. You will be able to join the session from your computer, smartphone or landline. Further details will be sent to you on confirmation of booking.

How to RSVP

Bookings are essential. Please call the Client Insights Team on 1300 847 466 or email [email protected] noting which session you would like to attend by Friday 15 June. Please note that participant numbers are limited for each focus group.

Could you benefit from some support to navigate safely? Check out the services of Vision Australia’s Orientation & Mobility Specialists or get in touch via 130 84 74 66 or email [email protected].