No one should ever have to assume
more risk than they are willing to accept, so when the risk of independently
crossing a street at a given time and place is too high, alternatives should be
considered. This page features a list of such alternatives. Please note
that:
all alternatives are not feasible for every situation, but with careful
consideration and planning there is always at least one that can apply.
some of these alternatives require years of planning (such as contacting
the traffic engineer) and others can be implemented right away (such as
getting help or crossing somewhere else).
the two strategies noted as such require some hearing or vision, but the
others can be done by deaf-blind people.
Alternatives to crossing streets:
At streets where there is no traffic control and you can’t hear/see the
traffic well enough to know when there is a gap, find a place to cross where
you can hear/see the traffic better (requires some hearing or vision)
Increase the likelihood that drivers will yield. For example, cross where drivers
are more likely to expect pedestrians to cross, and/or where they can see you better,
and/or where they are going more slowly. Make yourself more visible with bright reflective clothes, and/or do something that can get their attention, such as waving a flag.
Cross at better traffic control (a signal or stop sign).
Get help
Principles of getting help to cross street:
Face the street
Look like you want help (use a card, gestures, voice, etc. -- click here for suggestions for deaf-blind people to use a card to get assistance)
Explain exactly what you want them to do
Get help from:
passersby (go where most people go -- corners, bus stops, store
entrances,etc.
neighbors/shopkeepers (some people call ahead and ask store or
business personnel to watch for them and help them cross
drivers (hold up a sign with words “CROSS STREET” large enough for
drivers to see, with more detail in smaller print – this works best where
drivers are going slowly or stopping)
Don’t cross (take bus to end of line and back; get a ride; have
merchandise delivered, shop on line, etc.)
The following strategy requires some hearing or vision and can be used IF a. you can detect traffic well
enough to cross half the street; b. you can turn around; c. you can
determine where the middle is Strategy: Start to cross,
return if vehicle approaches before you reach the middle, otherwise complete
the crossing.
Get traffic engineer to revise or redesign intersection Suggestions:
At a signal, lengthen the time allowed for crossing;
Install bulbouts (the sidewalk protrudes into the street, usually
cutting off a lane and designating it for parking – this shortens the
crosswalk and slows the traffic -- see photos);
Where there is no traffic control, install traffic calming features (see photos of examples) or a stop sign or
signal.