Pat Gormley
|
September 21, 2002 |
I have read a few of the comments regarding audible pedestrian signals and
truncated domes proposed for new construction. From my perspective,
further research needs to be done to determine the effectiveness of audible
pedestrian signals. It is my further belief that these signals should only
be employed at intersections where it's impossible for a blind person to
determine from listening to traffic patterns whether it's safe to cross a
particular intersection. I also feel the same way about truncated domes
since their usefulness on train platforms and the increased costs of
maintenance and upkeep are also a major concern. Truncated domes on train
platform edges exposed to the elements such as ice and snow over time unbond and the residue including parts of the truncated dome edge from the
platform at Penn Station in Baltimore stayed on my boots one time all the
way home from Baltimore to New Carrolton station and caused me to pay for
a new carpet to be placed in the apartment I moved out of in 1992. In my
estimation, more research involving persons affected by these devices with
varying skill levels needs to be undertaken.
September 23, 2002
My name is Patrick Gormley. I find that tuse and placement of audible traffic
signals as currently proposed in the rights of ways guidelines is excessive. The
need for audible signals as currently proposed needlessly drives the costs up
for intersections. These signals should only be utilized in the most complex of
intersections and only on two sides of a 4-sided intersection. Any noise that
distracts a blind user from listening to traffic is not a lifesaver but could be
life threatening. I have had experience with these signals to substantiate this
claim. In this particular situation the audible signal masked the sound of a
truck backing up and I narrowly avoided being hit by that vehicle. I also feel
that truncated domes are only needed if the drop off is greater than 50 degrees
since a cane can distinguish between a curb and a crack in the sidewalk.
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