Pat Gormley
 September 21, 2002
 
I have read a few of the comments regarding audible pedestrian signals and truncated domes proposed for new construction. From my perspective, further research needs to be done to determine the effectiveness of audible pedestrian signals. It is my further belief that these signals should only be employed at intersections where it's impossible for a blind person to determine from listening to traffic patterns whether it's safe to cross a particular intersection. I also feel the same way about truncated domes since their usefulness on train platforms and the increased costs of maintenance and upkeep are also a major concern. Truncated domes on train platform edges exposed to the elements such as ice and snow over time unbond and the residue including parts of the truncated dome edge from the platform at Penn Station in Baltimore stayed on my boots one time all the way home from Baltimore to New Carrolton station and caused me to pay for a new carpet to be placed in the apartment I moved out of in 1992. In my estimation, more research involving persons affected by these devices with varying skill levels needs to be undertaken.

September 23, 2002

My name is Patrick Gormley. I find that tuse and placement of audible traffic signals as currently proposed in the rights of ways guidelines is excessive. The need for audible signals as currently proposed needlessly drives the costs up for intersections. These signals should only be utilized in the most complex of intersections and only on two sides of a 4-sided intersection. Any noise that distracts a blind user from listening to traffic is not a lifesaver but could be life threatening. I have had experience with these signals to substantiate this claim. In this particular situation the audible signal masked the sound of a truck backing up and I narrowly avoided being hit by that vehicle. I also feel that truncated domes are only needed if the drop off is greater than 50 degrees since a cane can distinguish between a curb and a crack in the sidewalk.


 

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