Joe Sontag
|
October 22, 2002 |
I'm writing in support of the recommendations of the Public Right Of Way Access
Committee report regarding audible traffic signals. When properly designed and
placed, these devices can save lives, permit properly trained blind travelers to
negotiate complex, busy intersections with safety and confidence, and generally
increase public awareness of the blind as active, motivated members of the
communities in which they live.
As a blind person and an independent traveler, I have encountered many
situations where audible traffic signals, although not absolutely mandatory,
would have been helpful to me. It is my opinion that a truly civilized society
can and should make traffic safety information available equally to its blind
and sighted pedestrians. Finally, I dare say that many blind people who now
claim that they oppose these devices will change their tunes as their individual
circumstances also change - a move to a major city, advancing age, a serious
injury suffered by themselves or their friends while crossing a familiar
intersection, etc.
Thank you.
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