[nagdu] Audible Traffic Signals

[Michael Hingson]

Hi,

You have described well a good purpose for the ATS.  I merely pointed out
that they do not tell me when it is ok to cross.  They tell me when it is
suppose to be ok, but in reality that is not enough.

M.


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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Tracy Carcione
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 6:37 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Audible Traffic Signals

I had a website address with all this stuff on it, but  I can't find it! I
believe it was set up by the AER O&M crew.  I know Lucas Franck from TSE
had a hand in it, because he told me about it.  I hate when I can't find
stuff!
I did find a website, apsguide.org, that has a lot of stuff about APS's,
though.
As I recall, an audible signal should be installed when it is difficult
for a blind person to evaluate the intersection auditorily.  (Don't that
sound official!)  Examples:  a T intersection where there is no
through-traffic to indicate when the light has changed; intersections with
turning lanes, where there's a turn cycle and a walk cycle; and
intersections where the amount of traffic controls the signal, i.e., the
signal changes when there's enough cars waiting for it to change.

I used to feel funny, asking for a special signal just for me, but not
now.  Sighted people don't feel funny demanding a walk signal when they
need one, so why should I?  I have the same right to access safety
information as everyone else.
And it turns out "my" signal is helpful to other people too, giving them
an additional cue as to when to walk.
Tracy


> I was asked questions last night about audible pedestrian signals during
> my
> presentation.  I of course know what they are and generally how they work.
> However I have never actually had the experience of crossing a street that
> has them.  I'm not convinced that we really need them here where I live,
> but
> I'd like to have some facts about APS.  Is there some authoritative source
> that outlines when they are necessary?
>
> The particular intersection that everyone but me is concerned about is a
> not
> extremely busy two way street  that intersects a moderately busy one way.
> I cross it twice a day, to work and back.  Sometimes I wait a couple of
> cycles to get it figured out, but generally I cross at my first
> opportunity.
> It's not a particularly easy intersection, but I don't feel unsafe either.
>
> Thoughts?
> Julie
>
>
>
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