Tips for Drivers
If you see a Blind Person with a long cane or a guide dog waiting at an intersection
remember.....
- Proceed as normal. Changing the normal pattern of things will only confuse the blind traveller, who is trained to listen and interpret traffic sounds
- Be alert and aware of the person, but not over anxious.
- Do not hoot, flash your lights or rev your engine
- Do not shout instructions
- Do not sit and wait for the blind person to cross - they are probably waiting for you to go.
Traffic light Intersection.
- Blind people are taught that the safest time to cross is when the traffic parallel to their intended direction of travel begins to move. The principle can involve a certain amount of waiting which may appear unnecessary to an observer.
- Don’t stop when the lights are in your favour.
- Move off immediately the lights change - don’t stay to watch or make sure the traveller is safe.
- Give way to all pedestrians when turning
- If you are a pedestrian and see a blind person waiting to cross a road, verbally indicate to
them that you wish to help. Let them take your arm in the sighted grip and cross together.
Do not be offended if they are a little offhand - they were probably concentrating hard on
listening and interpreting the traffic flow.