Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
5
↓
How to deal with mid-block crosswalks? (self.Blind)
submitted by fairlyfairies
How do you deal with mid-block crosswalks? There is one at my college. It is a crosswalk in the middle of a block where there is no light or stop sign, but the expectation is that the cars will stop for pedestrians and let them cross. There is sometimes a crossing gaurd at peak hours who says when to cross, but he isn't always there. The problem is that sometimes cars won't stop even if they see you waiting there, and you don't have something like a street light changing to give you a specific time to cross.
What do y'all do in this situation?
(Also I'd like to add that I can see, but since being diagnosed with a vision threatening eye disease I've been trying to prepare for if/when I do loose vision).
What do y'all do in this situation?
(Also I'd like to add that I can see, but since being diagnosed with a vision threatening eye disease I've been trying to prepare for if/when I do loose vision).
doodoobrown530 3 points 3y ago
Yeah I’d advise against it but look up Dona Sauerburger’s information on crossing an uncontrolled street.
EDIT: $1
Also you can always solicit assistance. I’d suggest getting more information on Human Guide and learning not only how to use it but how to teach someone the proper form and execution.
EDIT: $1
Also you can always solicit assistance. I’d suggest getting more information on Human Guide and learning not only how to use it but how to teach someone the proper form and execution.
griffjones14 2 points 3y ago
That’s tough. Advocate to your college’s accessibility office for a pedestrian signal or a stop sign at that crossing if it’s one you have to make frequently. Otherwise you may have to wait to cross when it’s all quiet/all clear. If it’s busy with traffic you may need to cross with a friend or walk a little further down to a protected crossing. None of these options are ideal :/
jayjames0193 1 points 3y ago
my college has a similar crosswalk. i don't know if yours has the raised bumps, but what I do is i stand at the raised bumps, set my cane a little bit in the street, and then wait probably 20-30 seconds. listen for cars, listen for stalled motors, etc. thankfully the crosswalk is pretty isolated so usually all i have to is wait for very little and then cross. most cars, in my experience with this crosswalk, are pretty understanding and wait for me to cross. that's what i do, but understand my experience is one that's not very busy. i don't know if i suggest this with busier streets
fairlyfairies [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thanks for the reply! Ya this street is the main thru way in the town, so pretty busy
jayjames0193 2 points 3y ago
hmm. most schools (in the us at least) should have some center where you go to discuss accommodations in college (basically make an iep for yourself to be sent to your professors). maybe you could go there and ask for advice; at my uni, there are some o&m instructors they offered to help me walk around campus, so maybe you could see if yours offers a similar serviece? best of luck!
razzretina 1 points 3y ago
Listen very closely to traffic sounds on both directions. I hate T intersections like this but sometimes you can't avoid them.
Duriello 1 points 3y ago
Try to look for a little slope on the edge of the sidewalks at each end of the crosswalk for wheelchair users that you can feel with your cane for guidance.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.