Ed Horwitz

October 13, 2002

To Whom it May Concern:

This letter is to express my concerns over the proposed use of audible traffic signals and detectable warnings at every intersection in every city of the United States. As the relative of a blind individual, I know firsthand that these signals are not always a welcome addition to a community. As a taxpayer, I find the expense involved totally outrageous and totally without merit.

My mother in law has been blind since early adolescence and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world with only her white cane and adequate mobility skill training. She has encountered audible signals at intersections and finds them to be of no help at best and often dangerous at worst. The lack of standardized installation makes them frequently useless. Further, the audible signals, often chirping bird noises, confuse the sound of the traffic flow that she relies on to cross streets safely.

Please be aware of the huge population of blind, visually impaired citizens and taxpayers who oppose the draft guidelines that intend to eventually implement this technology at intersections nationwide.

Sincerely,

Ed Horwitz