I am writing to you asking that you not install audible traffic signals.  I ask this not only for myself but many other blind people I know.

 

As a blind person, my mobility training has taught me to safely navigate by listening to the flow of traffic
when crossing intersections.  When I was in Harrisburg in August to support HB 2600, I came across several audible traffic signals.  I found the
KooKoo to be confusing.  They disrupted my ability to listen to the traffic creating an unsafe situation.  Also, if people were used to such signals, what are they going to do when they go somewhere where there are no such signals?

The safety of blind people is an important issue, I believe that we must rely on mobility techniques which work everywhere.  Please do not support audible traffic signals. 

 

Thank you for your time and consideration on this very important issue. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Connie J. Johnson, M.S.S.A.

President, National Federation of the Blind

    Erie County Chapter

Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of PA