[Blindtlk] crossing streets during excessivly loud circumstances

[Arielle Silverman]

Also, if the places you need to go aren't far from your home, taking a
cab at least one way could be an easy way to avoid the dangerous
street crossings.
Arielle

On 12/9/15, Steve Jacobson via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> BettyJo,
>
> While I don't have any magic answers, I hope that a few thoughts expressed
> below will be helpful.
>
> First, I think you are correct to not put a lot of emphasis on a tactile
> signal as the answer.  Without rehashing the argument over the role of
> accessible pedestrian signals, I don't think many would argue that it is
> good to stroll across the street knowing the light is green but without
> knowledge of what is happening with respect to traffic.  While that might
> increase one's chances for survival, it is far from a guarantee.  <smile>
>
> Second, how often do these events happen?  Is it practical to take a route
> that would cause you to be further from the loud entertainment even if it
> added significantly to your walk?  If these events don't happen too often,
> walking a few extra blocks to minimize the noise might be an acceptable
> approach if it were me.
>
> Third, I don't blame you for being a little uneasy about just accepting help
> from anyone.  However, if your city is small and you are only requesting to
> get help across the street, I would think you would be pretty safe.  I would
> tend to think that if someone were to see you as a possible victim of a
> crime, they would not particularly want to make contact with you as making
> contact would make them more recognizeable.
>
> Fourth, you mentioned policeman.  How large is the city you live in?  If it
> is small and if these entertainment events are policed because of heavier
> traffic, Connecting with your police department might be useful.  Only you
> would know if this is likely worth pursuing.  I have somewhat mixed feelings
> about that as they could react in ways you don't expect, such as concluding
> you should not be allowed to cross at all without a sighted person
> accompanying you, even though that would not be legally sound.  That would
> be unacceptable to me.  If you think that connecting with a policeman is
> possible, how about a simple but unique whistle pattern assuming they still
> carry whistles.  I think whistles are still pretty common when dealing with
> traffic.  You wouldn't want them to blow their whistle right in your ear,
> but a loud whistle pattern might be less startling than a hand on your
> shoulder out of nowhere.  They might even be able to remain where they are
> and still indicate you can go.
>
> I hope that something here is helpful.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve Jacobson
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Diane
> Vlasoff via blindtlk
> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2015 12:14 AM
> To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Diane Vlasoff <guide.dog.teams at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Blindtlk] crossing streets during excessivly loud circumstances
>
> Hi all!
> The small city I live in has an outdoor music venue which provides
> live entertainment for 17 events per year.  The contract is being
> reviewed by the city at this time.
>
> While I appreciate the opportunity for local live entertainment, I
> find that the amplified music is often broadcast at such a high volume
> that it significantly or completely masks the sound of cross traffic
> at 3 critical unregulated street crossings.
>
> I intend to ask the city to implement appropriate safety measures at
> these 3 crosswalks during the outdoor events.  While I believe that
> the best solution is to install a signal with a vibro tactile output
> at each of the three crosswalks in question in reality I do not see
> the city locating funding for such an expensive solution.
>
> So my question is…
>
> How would you expect a crossing guard or police officer to make
> contact with a visually impaired pedestrian in such an excessively
> loud situation?
>
> The only thing I can come up with is for them to tap me on the
> shoulder or something.  But I have to say that would probably freak me
> out since I have no functional vision.  Also since I travel with a
> guide dog I am concerned with someone essentially grabbing me while my
> dog is working.
>
> Additionally, how does a visually impaired person verify that someone
> claiming to be a police officer or crossing guard is actually what
> they claim to be?
>
> It sounds like I have trust issues and there is a distinct possibility
> that I do.
>
> Nevertheless I welcome suggestions.  What solutions have you seen
> implemented in similar circumstances?  How effective have you found
> them to be?
>
> Thank you for your time and recommendations.
>
>
> BettyJo
>
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