Anthony R. Candela

October 28, 2002

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to request full and due consideration be given to establishing
regulations and guidelines for audible pedestrian signals at unusual and
dangerous street intersections. This is not a black and white issue and
apparent divisions among the blindness community should not be allowed to
eliminate this issue from the landscape.

Audible pedestrian signals are a form of technology that is evolving. In
unusual or dangerous street intersections -- more numerous as modern
traffic control systems are being designed to move automobile traffic more
quickly -- additional help is needed if the non-visual person is to
navigate safely. Since artificial construction is often at the root of the
problem, artificial construction (e.g., easily visible and tactual
crosswalks, more elaborate and audible pedestrian signals, protective
barriers to shield pedestrians from vehicles, etc.) is required to
compensate for the added complexity.

Arguments in favor of and against audible pedestrian signals often overlook
the real problem -- appropriate and easily interpretable signals are
needed, inappropriate and ambiguous signals are harmful. Instead, the
argument becomes black and white. Regulators must not throw out the baby
with the bathwater. Please move forward to develop appropriate regulations
and guidelines. Don't let the 'with -em' or 'agin' 'em' style of argument
distract you from your duty.

Thank you.

Anthony R. Candela
National Program Associate
AFB West