Mary Ann Lareau
|
October 18, 2002 |
Dear Access Board Members:
Blind folks do not need detectible bumps and beeping poles at every
intersection. There may be instances where audible traffic signals could be
helpful. However, they should only be considered when traffic cues cannot be
determined by blind pedestrians. We acknowledge that there are some situations
where detectible warnings should be installed. When we are unable to tell the
difference between sidewalks (including medians and islands) and the street,
detectible warnings are appropriate. However, most situations do not require
audible signals or detectible warnings.
We are the blind and we know what we need. There is a true risk that our
pedestrian ways will become less safe with the installation of audible traffic
signals and detectible warnings.
Blind people travel safely every day without adaptations to the built
environment. Moreover, suitable and sufficient alternative methods and
information are normally available to provide us full and equal access without
modification. Modifications should be considered only when sufficient nonvisual
cues are not otherwise available.
The current draft guidelines are unnecessary to make travel safe for blind
people. They would not improve access and may actually decrease safety due to
distractions created by the variety of tones added to the soundscape. For
example, adoption of the guidelines as written would result in having a locator
tone constantly beeping from each pole with a pedestrian activated push button
for the "walk/don't walk" sign. This means that mixed with all the traffic
sounds there may be as many as 8 or more separate tones all going off
simultaneously, some of which are locator tones (beeping every second when the
"don't walk" sign is on), and others which are ATS tones (beeping more rapidly
when the "walk" sign is on). This confusing array of tones would be presented at
virtually every intersection. Most intersections do not require an ATS for the
accessibility and safety of blind pedestrians. Only those intersections with
complex geometry, complex signalization, or varied signalization for each lane
may be appropriate for an ATS. Vibrotactile indicators should be used in
preference to audible signals in order to minimize noise distractions and better
promote safety. Locator tones should not be included in the final guidelines and
may be subject to further research. At most intersections the built environment
provides ample accessible cues to determine the difference between the sidewalk
and the street. A slope of less than 1:15 in crossing from the sidewalk to the
street (including medians and islands) may not be detectable and should be
identified with a detectable warning.
Sincerely
Mary Ann Lareau,
Secretary, NFBM
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