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