Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How long did it take you to get over fear of crossing streets? (self.Blind)
submitted by RJHand
I'm not new at this, but I'm new to an urban environment. I've been doing street crossing for a few years in mobility training but the streets here are different than at home (I'm in college). Often times I accept or ask for help to cross. I'm, honestly, quite nervous about it still. I've been veering quite a bit and not crossing straight. There have been a few times lately where I've gotten confused and walked into stopped cars and stopped or slowed as I thought I was on the sidewalk only to have a passerby hurry me off the street and get me back on track.
Now I've really only been here about 2 weeks so maybe I'm getting too ahead of myself in thinking I should be able to cross major streets with no issue right away, but I'm just not sure how I can get to all the buildings I need to go to just fine except for the intersections. I think part of it may just be bad driving or poorly designed crosswalks, but my question here is how long did it take any of you to get over the fear of crossing streets? Am I getting to ahead of myself in thinking I should be completely fine with it now? I'm still a bit unsure of when the light is green or not without an audio pedestrian signal. I've been doing mobility training pretty regularly and I'm not always uncertain or nervous but there are certain times of day and certain streets where I am more than others. How long did it take any of you to become completely comfortable with this? Am I getting too ahead of myself so early on in a new area?
Now I've really only been here about 2 weeks so maybe I'm getting too ahead of myself in thinking I should be able to cross major streets with no issue right away, but I'm just not sure how I can get to all the buildings I need to go to just fine except for the intersections. I think part of it may just be bad driving or poorly designed crosswalks, but my question here is how long did it take any of you to get over the fear of crossing streets? Am I getting to ahead of myself in thinking I should be completely fine with it now? I'm still a bit unsure of when the light is green or not without an audio pedestrian signal. I've been doing mobility training pretty regularly and I'm not always uncertain or nervous but there are certain times of day and certain streets where I am more than others. How long did it take any of you to become completely comfortable with this? Am I getting too ahead of myself so early on in a new area?
BlueRock956 7 points 3y ago
Hi, when I cross streets rather than holding an arm, I ask them to walk by my side. That way I get a feel for the street crossing. This helps me feel comfortable when crossing that street alone.
hopesthoughts 2 points 3y ago
I'm definitely an epic failure when it comes to street crossings. It isn't that I'm afraid of them, it's like it's actually impossible for me for some reason. Lol the last mobility instructor I had told me I was broken.
brass444 2 points 3y ago
I’m not sure where you are but in the US, there is some grant money available to municipalities to install some talking traffic lights that count down (which would give you an auditory cue). If there are some intersections which you frequent, it may be worth a call or email. I was surprised how helpful the county employee was.
RJHand [OP] 2 points 3y ago
I'm in boston
brass444 2 points 3y ago
My understanding from a good friend who’s from Boston is that they are ahead of many other less accessible cities. (Sorry for delay in replying. Just turned on notifications)
bscross32 2 points 3y ago
I never had a fear of it and it almost cost me once, because I had to cross over a highway on ramp, yeah not really safe but whatever. Anyway, I've done it lots of times, but I was just impatient that day and tired of waiting. I knew a car was coming, but thought it was further off than it was and took off running, they slammed on the brakes and I jumped back and they ended up maybe 10 inches from where I would have been.
razzretina 2 points 3y ago
Street crossings are always a bit intimidating and I say this as someone who regularly crosses an eight lane highway. But where would any of us be if we didn't walk towards our fears to get what we want? If you haven't yet, I highly recommend getting some O&M training on and around your campus. Urban streets are pretty different from rural ones and crossing at lights has become a bit more complicated over the years. When you get a chance, just spend some time standing by a crossing and listen to the traffic so you can get a feel of where the cars coming towards you perpendicular) really are. As for making that arc when you cross, work on sort of speed walking across streets. Not running! Just a brisk walk across the intersection. That will help keep you lined up the way you started and help you get to the other curb more successfully.
Prefect316 2 points 3y ago
Are you totally blind? If so, I was told by a mobility instructor that veering is just par for the course for totally blind folks, so that's not on you.
The truth is, I'm still nervous about it and I've been at it for a decade. The trick is to practice it as much as you can, build the confidence, walk it through in your head as much as you can, and eventually the cars will become a guide as opposed to an obstruction, if that makes sense.
And don't be afraid to accept help in this situation. If it gets you where you need to go, just do it. .
The truth is, I'm still nervous about it and I've been at it for a decade. The trick is to practice it as much as you can, build the confidence, walk it through in your head as much as you can, and eventually the cars will become a guide as opposed to an obstruction, if that makes sense.
And don't be afraid to accept help in this situation. If it gets you where you need to go, just do it. .
RJHand [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Yes I am totally blind. I know what you mean about a guide. Its nice when you have a nice serge of parallel traffic to go along with. But often times I find I hear a car go the same direction then turn in front of me so obviously then I can't go. Because of this I'm still very hesitant about stepping out to cross because I'm waiting to see if the cars are going to turn or not. I guess I'll get better with time?
Prefect316 2 points 3y ago
You definitely will. What you want to listen out for is that the car that sounds parallel gets to past where your shoulder is. This may not make sense. I haven't had my coffee yet.
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