@#2 ... I've "heard" this argument using the blind are in unacceptable danger at crosswalks being unable to hear the electric motor. ...

Blind, or not.

Deaf, or not.

If there is someone in the crosswalk, the driver stops the car before it reaches the crosswalk. Period. No further questions.

If you are inclined to say, "but... but", go back and read the preceding paragraph over and over until you understand its meaning.

That's the law here in Connecticut.

Back in a previous life, circa the late 70s, I was on business visiting the offices of a record company based in Los Angeles (I was designing equipment for them, but that's another comment). After the meetings, the "locals" took me out to dinner.

I discovered an interesting aspect of cars in Los Angeles.

At one point, a business acquaintances told me something that was quite funny. In my laughter, I accidentally stepped off the sidewalk and on to the street. One foot onto the street, within inches of the curb.

Traffic on the street stopped. A couple drivers got out of their cars and yelled at me.

A business acquaintance grabbed my elbow and pulled me back onto the sidewalk. He told me ~don't ever put a foot on the road unless you ntend to cross it, and only cross it at crosswalks, with the light.~

I left Los Angeles with a distinct impression that the good people (drivers) of Los Angeles take pedestrians very seriously.

After living in New Jersey for a few years (college), where you take your life into your hands when you walk across a parking lot in a shopping center, the Los Angeles approach, and the Connecticut approach were a welcome change.

But I digress.... ;)