Edgar Facemyer
|
October 23, 2002 |
Edgar Facemyer
As a citizen of the United States of America who happens to be visually impaired
I am strongly in support of audible traffic signals being installed in heavily
traveled intersections which are dangerous even for the sighted pedestrians. The
first time I encountered an audible traffic signal was when I arrived on the
campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 1962. As I was
learning my way around the campus and the town I kept hearing this bell ringing
at regular intervals. When I reached the corner of seventh and Philadelphia
streets I was amazed to discover that this bell rang when all traffic stopped
which allowed me to cross with complete safety. During my four years there I
depended on that signal which was wisely placed at the most dangerous
intersection in down town Indiana. To my knowledge no one ever complained about
the noise it produced. That was the only cross walk in town with such a signal.
No other intersection in the business district really needed another signal. I
would not be in favor of these signals at every intersection in even the largest
communities. Technology has come a long way from the bell signal in Indiana.
Several manufacturers can produce signals which operate only when a blind person
or anyone else who wishes to use it activates it. Most emphasis has been placed
on improving the flow of vehicular traffic and little on pedestrian safety. In
years past blind persons could cross streets more safely because traffic lights
cycled in a predictable manner. Now, however, with programmability signals can
be set to operate in many different ways to accommodate traffic flow. These
intersections are particularly hazardous to those who don't have the advantage
of seeing the change of the light and who can use their sight to monitor the
flow of traffic. I believe it is time for the PROWAC report to be given the
consideration it deserves and that the right thing should be done. Other
countries like Australia have already made significant progress in this area and
we should follow their lead.