[Nfbf-l] [Bulk] Re: [Bulk] Re: legislative committee

[David Evans]

Dear betty,

It was nice to see you yesterday at the RTA committee meeting.
I think that we need to have changes made to the White Cane Law that 
re-defines it, raises the fines and describes just what a violation is and 
re-orders the way the Law is written and presented.
We also need to see to it that it is required to be in all copies of the 
statute manuals that police officers carry with them so it is there for them 
to see and refer to.

I think that we can justify the raising of the fine from $66 to $250 for a 
violation as the fines for parking in a handicapped space is that high.  A 
parking violation just inconveniences a person where the other can get you 
killed.
I think the fine should double to at least $500 if you or your guide dog are 
struck.
I think that a large part of the fines should be placed in a trust fund for 
grants and donation for the use of DBS and a part of the funds used to pay 
for an ongoing Public outreach program to educate Drivers, Law enforcement 
officers and the General Public about the White Cane Law and to promote 
greater safety in street crossing for the Blind and Disabled.

The way the law is presented starts out wrong by stating that it is illegal 
to carry a White Cane if you are not blind.  This statement should be at the 
end of the statute, not the beginning.
The statute should spell out just what is a violation as it does not 
describe just what is a violation now, but leaves it to be very subjective 
and very open to interpretation.  Such things as crossing the lines or 
blocking the crosswalks or curb cuts, failing to come to a full stop before 
making a Right on Red or cutting off a person crossing the street, who is in 
the crosswalk, but who has not reached the other side of the street yet.
Blowing of the car horn, yelling at or insulting the person crossing the 
street or efforts to scare the crosser by the drivers actions.
The violators should also get points on their license and have to attend a 
safe driving class and pass a written test on the White Cane Law and other 
safety related information from the class and  repeat the class, at their 
expense, if they fail the test or until they pass the test.
Double failure of the test should also be sent to their car insurance 
company points should stay on their license until they do pass the test or 
at least 3 years and even doing community service should be considered too.

At "un-marked" crossings, a virtual crosswalk strip , at least 10 feet wide, 
running across the street from curb to curb or road edge to road edge should 
be assumed by all persons and drivers or law enforcement officers.  The 
blind pedestrian should always be given the assumed Right of Way in a 
crossing situation and drivers, who are required to have their vehicle under 
control at all times, should "Yield" to them for their safety.
David Evans, NFBF



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "elizabeth McNally" <bethmac at bellsouth.net>
To: "'NFB of Florida Listserv'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 7:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] [Bulk] Re: [Bulk] Re: legislative committee


> Thank you David. I appreciate your input and experience.
> I will put you down.
>
> Betty
>
>
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