Are there any engineering studies that look at what actions a non sighted
person would be required to do to safely cross an intersection when the
situation related to the placement, timing of the crossing signal meaning
crossing time, and the relationship the signal has in being matched to the
workings of the intersection it is installed at?
In a never to exist perfect world, on paper, all works well. Accidents
happen when an action is outside of normal operating expectations.
At Stroudwater Street making ready to cross from Stroudwater north towards
Main Street, the audible signal is a distance from the truncated dome where the
crossing is to be executed.
A blind traveler would need to find the truncated dome again and wait for
the left turners to go but, at this point the signal has already told the blind
pedestrian to start crossing and, the time allowed for a pedestrian crossing is
quick.
For a blind pedestrian unfamiliar to this crossing it is necessary to be
sure to use the correct audible signal which is not pointing in the exact
direction of the intended crossing. Once it is located and depressed, the
signal starts beeping. The blind pedestrian then must find the truncated dome
and attempt to align with the crosswalk. This could be done by locating the
curb along the approach to the intersection and retracing it to the corner
provided the corner is square and no snow or ice is deterring this action.
Remember the audible signal, not pointing in the exact direction is beeping,
snow and ice exists, the left turners waiting to turn onto William Clark Drive
have not started yet to indicate a green light and, the audible command starts
to cross William Clark starts before the the familiar or unfamiliar blind
traveler can put it all together. The alotted crossing time according to the
audible signal is too quick for the entire operation and angry drivers are
turning regardless of who is in the crosswalk.
From: wsmac-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <wsmac-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of
Clarrage, Katherine C.
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2022 7:51 PM
To: wsmac@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [wsmac] Re: Stroudwater & William Clark.
Fyi, just know truncated dome platforms are not meant for directional
assist…they often are not lined-up with the crosswalk…in many cases (not my
fav., but they are in a diagonal position to cover both street crossing
corners). Their purpose is exclusively to alert entering the street…one must
use traffic sound for proper alignment. Kathy
Kathy Clarrage, COMS
State of Maine, Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired
151 Jetport Blvd
Portland, ME 04102
207-423-5448
<mailto:Katherine.c.clarrage@xxxxxxxxx> Katherine.c.clarrage@xxxxxxxxx
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“The day you plant the seed Is Not the day you eat the fruit”
From: wsmac-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <wsmac-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of
Carson Wood
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2022 12:17 PM
To: wsmac@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [wsmac] Stroudwater & William Clark.
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Good Noontime.
A few minutes ago my Wife and I crossed William Clark Drive heading North
towards Dunkin Donuts on The West side which is towards Gorham.
I asked her to tell me exactly where the arrow was pointing on the audible
signal. The activation button on these signals is an arrow.
That arrow points at an angle away from the crosswalk aiming into the
stopped traffic.
It is also important to understand that the truncated dome in the curb cut
does not line up with the crosswalk.
A vehicle headed South from the Main Street side of Stroudwater Street was
preparing to turn right onto William Clark. This vehicle waited until we were
safely across to start.
My Wife could tell the vehicle behind that one was agitated because the
vehicle preparing to turn waited for us.
