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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 4
Intersections with traffic signals have also changed. For example, the drawing
below illustrates a "split phase" traffic pattern, where some pedestrians are not allowed
to cross with the parallel traffic surge. And most signals are actuated, which means that
pedestrians must inform the signal computer that they want to cross in order to ensure
that they have enough time. Research shows that when blind people used traditional
techniques to cross, they sometimes began crossing when traffic had the right-of-way
across their crosswalk (YIKES!), or when they did not have enough time to complete
their crossing before the signal changed (yikes again!).
If you are an O&M specialist teaching children and adults with visual impairments
to cross streets, how can you learn what you need to know to prepare your students for
modern crossings?
You're in luck . . .
There are now two Self-Study Guides for O&M specialists, available online for free to
take any time, from anywhere! One is for crossings with no traffic control and the other
is for crossings with traffic signals. They each have comprehensive information that you
need to know about teaching at modern intersections, using friendly, easy-to-read text
Picture 2. This is a graphic illustrating
the movement of traffic and pedestrians
traveling along the major street of a plus-
shaped signalized intersection. Arrows
indicate that vehicles from the south
(traveling along the east side of the main
street) can go straight, turn left (without
having to yield to any vehicles or
pedestrians) or turn right (if they yield to
pedestrians). Pedestrians on the east
side of the major street can cross the
minor street going either direction, but
pedestrians on the west side of the
major street cannot cross.
