I would like to go on record opposing categorical
use of audible traffic signals and truncated domes.
I have been blind for over 40 years and have had
the pleasure of travelling extensively throughout the United States and seven
foreign countries. I have experienced the use of truncated domes and audible
traffic signals and in most cases find them not helpful.
Truncated domes are difficult to walk on, easy to
stumble on, and my white cane tends to grab instead of glide over them.
Anyone living in areas with snowfall and ice would quickly find them useless
after snow and ice build up in between the domes.
As a blind person travelling, when I arrive at an
intersection I know by listening to the traffic and the people around me what
color the traffic light is. I find beeping locator buttons, beeping or
cuckooing light indicators very distracting. They are not an aid to my
travels. Just like sighted people pay attention to more than just the light
and the walk/don't walk signs, we blind people have to pay attention to
traffic sounds. Audible signals can create a feeling of false security if a
blind person isn't paying attention. If a car is running a red (or pink)light,
it won't stop for a beeping signal. It's up to the blind person to
be attentive. Less competent blind travelers often have a sighted guide
along.
I propose that instead of wasting taxpayers
dollars on truncated domes and audible signals we put that money to use for
job training, education and technology that will help blind people obtain jobs
and become taxpayers.
If I can be of any further assistance to you in
this matter, please call me.
Sincerely,
Richard P. Crawford, Jr.
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