Deborah Allen

October 22, 2002

I am writing to express my support for the need for audible traffic signals and other traffic safety devices for blind and visually impaired people.

I am totally blind, and I walk at least two miles every day. I don't need audible signals at most of the intersections I cross, but there are a few intersections where having an audible signal would provide a greater margin of safety for me. The intersections that pose the problem for me are the light-driven intersections that have a great deal of traffic going one way and sporadic traffic going the other way. Determining when to cross these intersections safely is very difficult, and I have come close to getting hit by cars a couple of times at these intersections. If it wasn't for fast work on the part of my guide dog, I would have been hit.

I have requested having an audible signal installed at one particularly dangerous intersection, but a few people from a rather radical group that apposes audible signals heard about my efforts, and they have successfully blocked the installation. The people who blocked the instillation don't even use that intersection.

Sadly, this has become a political issue, and it should simply be a safety issue. I don't want to get hit by a car because of someone else's political ideals, but that may happen. Please help save lives and prevent needless injuries by supporting the need for audible signals.

Sincerely,

Deborah Allen