Mary Ellen Halverson

October 21, 2002

Dear Board members,

I am totally blind and am writing in regards to the proposed audible traffic signals for all intersections.
I travel around Boise, Idaho using a white cane, and my most valuable traffic clue is the traffic itself. I have heard the audible signals in Salt Lake City and find them very confusing. The traffic is noisy and it is hard to determine where the audible bird sounds are coming from.

I have heard that in Japan there are audible signals in certain areas. The blind are expected to travel in these areas where it is believed they will be safe. This could become very limiting to blind individuals.
I also think it is unreasonable to spend millions of dollars on such signals.

Perhaps a vibrating traffic signal on difficult intersections would be helpful.

Thank you for considering my input.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Halverson