[Promotion-technology] Fw: A Different Pedestrian Safety Solutionfrom Across the Pond

[Zuhair Mahmoud]

I saw this in Glasgow a few years ago.  It's pretty cool, but if you don't
know it's there, you won't know it's there (if you know what I mean).  The
rotating bit is at the base of the button, caved in underneath.  Unless you
know what you're looking for (or someone tells you ahead of time), you won't
notice it.  Still pretty interesting!



-----Original Message-----
From: promotion-technology-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:promotion-technology-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Robert Jaquiss
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 6:56 AM
To: nfb-rd at nfbcal.org; promotion-technology at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Promotion-technology] Fw: A Different Pedestrian Safety
Solutionfrom Across the Pond

Hello Colleagues:

     I thought this might be of interest.

Regards,

Robert

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bkmabma at yahoo.com>
To: <undisclosed-recipients:>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 8:33 AM
Subject: A Different Pedestrian Safety Solution from Across the Pond


>
> Manchester Evening News (UK)
>
> Roads a touch safer for the blind
> Deborah Linton
> March 23, 2009
>
> TOUCH technology that could make crossing the road safer for people with 
> sight problems is being piloted in Manchester.
>
> Small cones which rotate when the steady green man is showing have been 
> introduced at the base of push-button boxes at pedestrian crossings.
>
> Gloves
>
> They have been adapted so that users can even feel the movement through 
> gloves.
>
> It is hoped they will also help people who struggle to hear signals 
> through traffic noise.
>
> Manchester council has introduced the system in the city centre as part of

> a pilot scheme.
>
> Feedback
>
> It wants feedback from pedestrians which will then be used as part of 
> government research into the technology.
>
> The devices have been fitted at a crossing at the junction of Princess 
> Street and Cooper Street and at a crossing near Starbucks on Princess 
> Street.
>
> 'Duty'
> Coun Richard Cowell said: "We have a duty to ensure the safety of all 
> pedestrians but it is particularly important that we have the right 
> facilities in place for visually impaired people, which is why Manchester 
> is pleased to take part in this trial.
>
> "The rotating cones will help pedestrians who have vision and hearing 
> impairments and may find it difficult to hear the audible signals on 
> crossings where there is a lot of noise."
>
> Anyone who has a vision impairment and wants to comment can contact Emma 
> at the Transport Research Laboratory on 01344 770 503.
>
> LINK: Video Report with sound (embedded, does not autoplay, may be 
> difficult for screen reader users)
>
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/video/?bcpid=1586371503&bctid=1718281
6001
>
> SOURCE
>
>
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1103962_roads_a_touch_safer_fo
r_the_blind
>
>
>
>
> 


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