Blind people in traffic: Do you know what to do now?

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Blind and visually impaired people traveling alone with a white cane have something only emergency vehicles with flashing lights and tattoos have: the absolute right of way — if they signal they want to cross the road.

The Traffic Regulations Regulations (VRV) state: “Unaccompanied blind persons must always be given the right of way if they indicate that they wish to cross the road by raising their white stick.” This applies to all urban and extra-urban vehicles, such as bicycles and e-scooters.

Two thirds get it wrong

In practice, there is only one problem: In the test conducted by the Schaffhausen cantonal police, only 45 out of 128 vehicles were stopped. Almost two-thirds (83 vehicles) continued to drive; even a driver when the blind person crosses the road. Other tests show similar results. Such a thing would be expensive: There is always a caveat. That means a fine of at least a few hundred francs plus fees. If you are in danger, it will cost you your license and a lot more money.

You might remember it this way: When the white stick is held at the side of the road, it actually causes a zebra to dart into the road. Just like at a red light, everyone needs to stop and let people cross the street. And this is true even if the person has a guide dog with them.

Don’t stay too far

Particularly important: Always come to a complete stop within a short distance and wait for the person to cross the road before moving on. Because blind people depend on their hearing: Only when nearby engine sounds (or the artificial hum in electric cars) no longer moves (and the tires are silent) will a blind person start running to cross the street with a white cane.

Do not turn off the engine and honk the horn (!) to encourage blind and visually impaired people to cross the street: Horning is a warning signal and can scare them. And please be patient: We should all have those few seconds left for those who are visually impaired or blind.

Source: Blick