Things That the Cane May Not Detect: Overhanging Obstacles

Overhanging obstacles, such as tree branches, and signs or objects that protrude from walls or poles are not detected by the cane. Many people wear glasses or a brim hat to prevent injury from tree branches or other overhanging objects, and if the object is expected, a modified upper hand and forearm can be used to protect the head.

Photos: A display umbrella (left) and a pole with a railroad crossing sign left by a construction crew (middle) protrude where the cane will not detect them, and are hazards. If such a hazard is expected, the blind traveler can use upper hand and forearm technique for some protection (right) or use an electronic travel aid.
photo shows a woman using a white cane and walking along a sidewalk in front of a store. A beach umbrella is opened and the woman is about to walk into it and bump her head.

photo shows a woman using a white cane and walking along a sidewalk in front of a store. A beach umbrella is opened and the woman is about to walk into it and bump her head.

photo shows a man using a white cane and walking in a plaza toward a large rod that is extended diagonally across his path; if he continues walking, his cane will go under the rod and he will bump into it with his chest.

photo shows the same man approaching the same rod, but with his right hand holding the cane, his left hand is held with the forearm in front of his face and contacting the object (we now see that the 'rod' is actually the pole of a railroad sign that for some unknown reason is protruding diagonally from the ground -- there is construction nearby, and this railroad sign has been left here several times).

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