Truie Mosher

September 25, 2002

I am blind and hearing impaired. I also use a Guide Dog. In my neighborhood we have (talking traffic signals). The pole where the signals are mounted omit a soft Ticking to help locate the button to activate The speech for the direction you want to walk. This system gives you the opportunity to make a choice of using the talking signal or relying on your own skills to cross.

How to use: Press the button on the pole. Walk to the edge of the curb.  When the light turns to the walk signal it is spoken.  I cannot use the signals that screech or chirp constantly. I cannot hear the traffic moving for the noise of the signal. I think they are calledDirectional signals. I have had to walk as much as a mile to find a way around these signals. I don't think they are safe, because, the blind person cannot hear moving traffic.

In my opinion, the talking signals are a great improvement over the constant noise of other signals. They not only let you hear the traffic, they give you a choice in the method of how you travel. You can use them or not. I do not think signals are necessary at every corner. But! Where there are multi turning lanes and right turns on red; I feel there is a great need for talking signals. Not the types that beep, screech, or make it impossible to hear the traffic.

This city has a large blind and multi/disabled population. Without these talking signals many would Be injured or unable to travel independently.

We are waiting for the signals to be installed at other intersections in our neighborhood where turn arrows make it difficult to cross.

One of these lights are located at an entrance ramp to an expressway. When this signal is installed we will be able to walk to another business district to shop, without taking a bus or other transportation.

Thank you so much for considering the information in my letter.

Truie Mosher