American Council of the Blind of Colorado-Longmont Chapter

AUDIO TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN LONGMONT

Mar 28, 2002

Thanks to the City of Longmont, audible traffic signals have been installed at Main and 6th,
Main and 17th, and Main and 19th. Another is on order for the corner of Main and 19th.

Three of these signals will be especially helpful to blind ACBC members, who need to cross Main Street to catch the bus. The traffic volume has grown so much that it is now impossible to safely cross Main Street at these intersections without the aid of vision. These signals make it possible for our members to go to and from work and to be independent in their travels.

Have you ever wondered how a blind person is trained to cross a street? They hesitate at a corner and listen carefully to determine which way the traffic is flowing. Sometimes, if the traffic is heavy or if there are construction or other interferring sounds nearby, it takes awhile for this determination to be made. The blind person may wait through a light to be sure. After all, he is betting his life on what his ears hear.

Sometimes this hesitation is misinterpreted by drivers turning right and they decide the person is not going to cross and turn in front of the pedestrian just as he steps out into the street. Please be extra careful when you see a person with a white cane who wants to cross the street.

Again, thanks to the City of Longmont for its support!