White Cane Day
White canes were introduced in the 1930s as a way of
assisting visually impaired pedestrians to travel independently. They also
helped motorists identify and yield to people using the white cane, and their
use has been protected by law in the United States since that time. White Cane
Safety Day, October 15, was established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson
in an effort to raise awareness of people who carry a white cane.
What is the White Cane Law? “A totally or partially blind
pedestrian who is carrying a predominately white cane (with or without a red
tip), or using a guide dog, shall have the right-of-way. The driver of any
vehicle approaching this pedestrian, who fails to yield the right-of-way, or to
take all responsibility necessary precautions to avoid injury to this blind
pedestrian, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Punishable by imprisonment in the
county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine of not less than five
hundred dollars ($500) no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other applicable
provision of law.” – Vehicle Code #21963
Safety Tips For People Who Are Sighted Stop your car at least 5ft. from a
crosswalk. Pedestrians who are visually impaired or blind may use the sound of
your engine to locate crosswalk boundaries. If any part of your car is in the
crosswalk, they may misjudge the safe area. Avoid honking at individuals
using a white cane. People who are blind or visually impaired have no idea why
you are honking. It is okay to ask if assistance is needed. Ask the person who
is blind or visually impaired for permission before trying to assist. If the
person asks you to help guide them, offer your arm. They will hold your arm
just above the elbow to follow your path.
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