Susan Grossman

October 28, 2002

I am writing to express my support for the PROWAC's (Public Right of Way Advisory Committee) recommendations on accessible pedestrian signals and detectable warnings. I have visited cities in the United States that are in the vanguard of giving information available to sighted pedestrians to non-sighted pedestrians via audible signals. These signals are distinct and make it very easy for non-sighted pedestrians to cross intersections with much greater safety. I do not find these signals confusing and they do not interfer with traffic noise, which is used by some non-sighted pedestrians
use as an indicator. I also think that these signals are a much more effective means of determining whether it is safe to proceed than traffic noise. In very large and busy intersections it is extremely difficult to discern the difference in direction for traffice. Finally, with the recent introduction of electric and gas and electric cars which make little or noise, it is imperative that another means of notification other than traffic noise be instituted.

Thank you for taking my comments.

Susan Grossman