Driving and White Cane Law

[BrokenQuill92]

Question: Why is learning about White Cane laws not mandatory for drivers ed? It makes no logical sense.

http://www.afb.org/blog/careerconnect-bl...-street/12

[Cato]

A quick Google search will reveal several states' DMV study guides that address White Cane Laws, so I don't think that's the issue. I think that encountering a blind pedestrian is such an infrequent occurrence that without practice and reinforcement, as with anything in life, the knowledge escapes.

That said, the protocol is mostly common sense. In large cities like NYC, it is perhaps easier for blind pedestrians in that there's typically a throng of people with which to cross with; i.e., makes it easier to determine when to cross. Cities like Nashville have audible cues associated with their crosswalks in an effort to help.

Awareness through White Cane Day and as you're doing here goes a long way. I really think it's the infrequency that's the issue. In NY it wasn't that uncommon as a pedestrian to encounter a blind person, but I honestly can't recall the last time I encountered a white cane at an intersection as a driver.

Thanks for sharing, awareness is the key.

[BrokenQuill92]

A quick Google search will reveal several states' DMV study guides that address White Cane Laws, so I don't think that's the issue. I think that encountering a blind pedestrian is such an infrequent occurrence that without practice and reinforcement, as with anything in life, the knowledge escapes.

That said, the protocol is mostly common sense. In large cities like NYC, it is perhaps easier for blind pedestrians in that there's typically a throng of people with which to cross with; i.e., makes it easier to determine when to cross. Cities like Nashville have audible cues associated with their crosswalks in an effort to help.

Awareness through White Cane Day and as you're doing here goes a long way. I really think it's the infrequency that's the issue. In NY it wasn't that uncommon as a pedestrian to encounter a blind person, but I honestly can't recall the last time I encountered a white cane at an intersection as a driver.

Thanks for sharing, awareness is the key.

My biggest problem with drivers is no matter the individual state law about white canes. Once I as a person with a clearly visible (oh the irony) visual impairment has set foot upon road. YOU MUST STOP. Now that being said, me making indications to cross, setting cane first or foot first in the street, blah blah that's all states rights nitpicking bullshit. But when I'm in the actual act of crossing and some dummyhead still proceeds to turn in front of me? Oh no! Buddy, Alaina has damn near zero vision. So you (not you personally sweetie) not stopping is not only illegal but a nice juicy lawsuit waiting to happen

[Thumpalumpacus]

Well, yeah ... if I had a dime for every thoughtless driver I've seen, I could retire in style.

[vorlon13]

People don't stop for school buses discharging children anymore, why the fuck would they inconvenience themselves for a blind person ??

[Jackalope]

As a sighted person who nearly got run over in a crosswalk twice in the last ten days, I can sympathize, but I am hardly surprised.

People suck.

[vorlon13]

Was that you ?

[Jackalope]

Yes, you bastard. Watch where you're going.

[vorlon13]

Step lively, I'm busy and have a truck.

[AFTT47]

I just got a second car after taking the bus home for 4 and a half months. One of the most harrying thing about the bus is crossing the street after you get off. I had a number of scares in the crosswalks. It's got to really suck for sight-impaired people.

I got my driver's license in 1977 and I have never heard of white cane laws. I guess there was less awareness of visually-impaired individuals back then.