Leading blindness agencies have today released the world’s largest ever study of pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.
Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Victoria and Blind Citizens Australia worked together with Monash University Accident Research Centre during 2011 and 2012, surveying hundreds of pedestrians with vision impairment about their road safety experiences and decision making.
Maryanne Diamond, Vision Australia’s General Manager of International and Stakeholder Relations, said the study sheds much needed light on the experiences of people who are blind who rely on walking to get around.
“The study revealed that 1 in 12 pedestrians living with blindness were hit by a motor vehicle or cyclist.
“Very little is known about the experience of people who are blind or have low vision as pedestrians so this report is a valuable contribution to understanding what’s happening on roads and footpaths,” Ms Diamond said.
Karen Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Guide Dogs Victoria, said “The report shows why effort and resources in upgrading safety precautions and awareness on roads and intersections should also be inclusive of those who are vision impaired.
“The visuals cues we take for granted like indicators, eye contact with drivers and ‘beeping horns’ do not help people who are blind or have low vision. They need additional safety cues to provide them the confidence to cross safely,” Ms Hayes said.
Robyn Gaille, Executive Officer for Blind Citizens Australia said, “When I cross a street, I often think of my white cane as though it's a protective shield. It alerts drivers on the road that I may not see them. Unfortunately, for some of my peers, this has not been the case.”
“This world leading study provides valuable information that we hope will make it safer for all road users through education, awareness and training,” Ms Gaille said.
The report by Monash University Accident Research Centre, the nation’s most respected road safety research organisation was made possible through funding from Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission and VicRoads.
The report will be used to help blindness and road safety agencies develop approaches that help increase safety for pedestrians and road users.