My name is William Sean Martin and I live at [ ... ].

I have had the opportunity to use audio traffic signals when I lived in Topeka, KS for a while. These signals surround the states capitol building. I found them to be very helpful. While I suffer from total vision loss, I am still able to hear though with some loss of hearing as well. Often with today's new cars being so much quieter than those built years ago I am unable to hear the vehicles approaching an intersection if they are going less than 30 miles per hour. The newer radial tires combined with the better exhaust systems make these the silent killer of the blind. I personally am to the point I try not to travel where I have to cross intersections with lighter traffic or where it is likely I can be hit. This is due to the fact that in the last year I have failed to notice two vehicles that were coming toward me and once was nearly hit but the driver of the vehicle was more alert than the driver of the other vehicle. The second one struck me and left me played up for about two weeks to heal. I was fortunate that I was struck by the mirror on the side of this vehicle and not the front bumper as the driver did not stop and I suffered two cracked ribs. Being struck by the front of the vehicle would likely have resulted in my severe injury or death. Thank you for taking my situation and feelings on the matter into consideration.

sincerely,
William Sean Martin