Henry.Kasten@p0.f33.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Henry Kasten) (11/21/90)
Index Number: 11933
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Al, In a Message to Lee, you stated that the audible signal
lights were located at intersections where they were not
necessary. You closed with "But then sensibleness is not public
authority." I am not sure I agree with you on that. First of all
it is regrettable when an individual is injured or killed in an
accident. Blinks do not have a monopoly on pedestrian vehicle
accidents. I think if you were to check with your police
department and ask for the most recent demography on pedestrian
vehicle accidents you might be surprised to find that visually
impaired people will fall in the minority. You can estimate the
number of visually impaired people in your city and determine a
ratio with the numbers provided by the police. I feel certain
visually impaired people will still fall in the minority. Whether
this is because we don't get out as much ar are just safer
travellers is anyone's guess. As for the placement of those
audible signals, I can't say for sure about your city. But,
typically, there is a request made for the signal, a study is then
conducted to determine the number of visually impaired people
crossing that intersection, and then a recommendation is given. In
other words, the signals don't just pop up randomly, someone asked
for it and there must be a significant number of visually impaired
people using it. I am sure you have noticed that there is not a
traffic signal at every intersection. A need must be determined
before a city will allocate funds for a traffic signal, basically
the same procedure that is required for an audible signal. If you
are concerned about the placement of audible signals, or any issue
pertaining to your city, ask to get an appointment on one of the
cities advisory boards. Most cities have them, and it is an
excellent way for you to express the needs of the visually impaired
directly to your city council or city fathers. Check into how your
city government is operated and get on a volunteer board. Make
changes, not complaints.
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