The purpose of this e-mail is to submit comments regarding proposed guidelines for the use of audible traffic signals and detectable warnings.

In most instances audible traffic signals are not needed.In fact they mayactually be hazardous.Audible traffic signals could produce a false sense of security for the blind pedestrian. The noise of such signals could interfere with the blind pedestrian’s ability to hear traffic movement.  The bottom line is to know what traffic is doing regardless of the status of the traffic light.   Finally, if audible traffic signals were common place there is the potential that drivers would feel that they need to pay less attention to the presence of pedestrians.

Audible traffic signals  should be considered for those intersections with complex layouts,  complex signalization, or varied signalization for each lane.  Vibrotactile indicators should be used in preference to audible signals in order to minimize noise distractions and better promote safety. 

Locator tones should not be included in the final guidelines and may be subject to further research. 

At most intersections the built environment provides enough accessible cues  to determine the difference between the sidewalk and the street.

However, a  slope of less than 1:15 in crossing from the sidewalk to the street (including medians and islands) may not be detectable and should be identified with a detectable

 warning. 

Your consideration of my comments is appreciated. 

RoseAnn Faber