Parnell Diggs
 October 24, 2002


I am writing in opposition to the proposed guidelines being considered by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, which would require the installation of audible traffic signals and detectable warnings at intersections across America.

As a blind person, I have traveled independently in cities in every part of the nation; I find that I can cross streets merely by listening to the traffic and using a long white cane. A blind pedestrian with appropriate mobility skills can travel safely and independently using information which is already available in the typical intersection without having to rely upon adaptations telling the traveler whether it is safe to walk, or (indeed) where the street is.

These guidelines are over broad as drafted, and they should be amended to contemplate the installation of detectable warnings and audible traffic signals only in those places where pertinent information is not otherwise available.

Parnell Diggs

 

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