Deborah Allen
|
October 22, 2002 |
I am writing to express my support for the need for audible traffic signals and
other traffic safety devices for blind and visually impaired people.
I am totally blind, and I walk at least two miles every day. I don't need
audible signals at most of the intersections I cross, but there are a few
intersections where having an audible signal would provide a greater margin of
safety for me. The intersections that pose the problem for me are the
light-driven intersections that have a great deal of traffic going one way and
sporadic traffic going the other way. Determining when to cross these
intersections safely is very difficult, and I have come close to getting hit by
cars a couple of times at these intersections. If it wasn't for fast work on the
part of my guide dog, I would have been hit.
I have requested having an audible signal installed at one particularly
dangerous intersection, but a few people from a rather radical group that
apposes audible signals heard about my efforts, and they have successfully
blocked the installation. The people who blocked the instillation don't even use
that intersection.
Sadly, this has become a political issue, and it should simply be a safety
issue. I don't want to get hit by a car because of someone else's political
ideals, but that may happen. Please help save lives and prevent needless
injuries by supporting the need for audible signals.
Sincerely,
Deborah Allen
index
previous comment
next comment