To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing in opposition to proposed guidelines that would mandate both
audible traffic signals and truncated domes at all major U.S.
intersections. We oppose these guidelines because of several factors:

1. Installing the audible traffic signals, signals that would beep to
indicate a walk signal, and rehabbing intersections to install truncated
domes would be ridiculously cost prohibitive when the money could be better
spent on improvements to mass transit and other more pressing
transportation needs.

2. Blind people are able to safely cross streets by relying on the sounds
of traffic flow at a given intersection when they have been properly
trained to do so. The audible traffic signals would mask the sounds of
traffic which are used for safe navigation of the intersection to a degree
that this would case more problems and increase risks of injury to blind
people.

3. During the winter season or any periods of rain, snow or ice, the
truncated domes would become slippery, thereby endangering the public at
large. This far outweighs any inconsequential benefit to the blind
whatsoever.

4. The truncated domes also can impede proper usage of a white cane by a
blind pedestrian, thereby creating a hazardous potential risk to the blind
pedestrian. The white cane is to allow the blind pedestrian to detect
changes in the ground surface that would indicate when he or she is
beginning to or has finished crossing a street safely thereby obviating the
need for truncated domes at intersections.

Again, we strongly oppose these guidelines and ask that you please take
into consideration our above points when considering these new guidelines.

Very truly yours,

Alan & Ruth Anne Wheeler
 

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