For many people, crossing a street is an everyday occurrence. But for those who are blind or visually impaired, it can be a daunting task. How do they navigate streets and crosswalks safely?

Fortunately, there are several techniques that blind people learn and use to cross streets and navigate their environment safely.

Let’s take a look at the methods used to help the blind cross streets with confidence.

Gathering Information about the Environment

When it comes to crossing streets for the visually impaired, information is vital. Before doing so, blind pedestrians typically gather as much relevant information as possible about their environment, such as the type of intersection they are in (e.g., four-way or two-way) and whether or not traffic signals are present.

It helps them determine how they should proceed when crossing a street.

Orientation Techniques

Once they have gathered all available information, blind pedestrians often use orientation techniques to help them safely cross an intersection.

For example, if there is no traffic signal on one side of the street, they may use reflective cones along the sidewalk edge to orient themselves concerning the curb line before crossing. If a traffic signal is present but cannot be heard due to noise pollution, tactile indicators on a pole near the curb line can also be used for orientation purposes.

Crosswalk Signals

Crosswalk signals have also been designed to help the blind cross streets safely. These signals emit auditory cues that let pedestrians know when it is safe to cross the street. Some of these signals make noise when it is time for pedestrians to start crossing (typically 3-5 seconds before cars begin moving).

While others make noise continuously during green lights, so pedestrians know when it is safe to proceed across the street regardless of how long they have been standing at the signal waiting for it to change.

Additionally, some cities have implemented tactile pedestrian signals that feature bumps on sidewalk buttons so that users can feel when it’s time to go or stop at intersections with no audible signal.

Cane Technique

The most common method used by blind people when crossing a street is the cane technique. This method involves using an extended cane to detect obstacles such as curbs, medians, and cars coming too close to the crosswalk.

The cane is also used to determine the location of any traffic signals that may be present at the intersection and whether or not they are in operation.

Mind Map Method

Another way blind people can learn to cross a street safely is by using what’s known as mind mapping. This technique involves creating an internal map of an area, which allows them to understand their surroundings better and make informed decisions when navigating through them.

Mental mapping requires practice and repetition—the more familiar a person becomes with their environment, the easier it will be to navigate independently.

Sound-Based Navigation

Finally, many blind people rely on sound-based navigation techniques when crossing streets. By listening carefully to cars passing nearby or traffic signals that indicate when it's safe to cross, they can determine where they must go and how quickly they must get there to stay safe while crossing a street.

With practice and repetition, sound-based navigation becomes second nature for many blind pedestrians.

What Challenges Do Blind People Face When Crossing the Street?

There are so many challenges that visually impaired persons face while crossing the road. Some of these are mentioned below.

• Sounds like airplanes flying overhead or people talking are often constant and distracting in urban areas. These sounds can make it hard for blind people to determine how traffic flows.
• Blind people may have difficulty avoiding collisions as car manufacturers produce increasingly quiet models. When people enter the intersection at the wrong time, they put themselves in danger of being hit by vehicles because of this problem.
• There may not be a pedestrian phase, a push button signal, or even a painted crosswalk on some low-traffic streets or roads designed without accessible features.

Steps Blind People Can Take To Cross Streets

Let's look at a few simple steps blind people can learn to cross streets safely and confidently.

Step 1: Learn the Rules of the Road

Like anyone else, blind people need to understand the rules of the road before attempting to cross any street. This means learning about your area's pedestrian signals and traffic laws to know when the crossing is safe.

It can also familiarize you with traffic patterns near intersections or other areas where you may need to navigate cars and other obstacles.

Step 2: Practice Using Your Other Senses

As a blind person, practicing using your other senses while navigating busy streets is important. It includes using hearing (listening for car horns or different sounds) and touch (feeling vibrations in the pavement).

It can also help if you use a cane or guide dog as an aid, as they can alert you when something dangerous is coming up ahead.

Step 3: Use Technology When Necessary

Now, many unique pieces of technology can help blind people navigate streets safely and confidently.

For example, some apps provide verbal directions on when it’s time to cross or stop for you not to get hit by vehicles or stumble over objects in your path.

There are also smart glasses with sensors built into them that can detect objects in front of you and alert you when it’s time to stop walking so that you don’t walk into traffic or trip over something unseen on the ground.

Takeaway

Crossing streets can be difficult for everyone but especially for those without sight.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that blind people use to make sure they cross safely every time—from using extended canes to sound-based navigation techniques.

Ultimately, these strategies enable those with vision impairments to remain independent while traveling around their cities with confidence and ease.

With these tools, visually impaired people can easily navigate any intersection!