White Cane Safety Tips From Alphapointe
October 15th is White Cane Safety Day
Here are some tips I give my clients for maximum safety when traveling with a white cane:
1. Make sure your cane is in good repair. The tip should be on securely and not be worn down to the point where it might not give adequate information or warning. The tape should be smooth and cover the full length of the cane. If it is torn or missing, drivers will not recognize it as a white cane, especially at night. The tape is designed to reflect light, and when it is in poor repair, it does not do that job.
2. For street crossings, use the ABCD method. A= alignment. Make sure you are aligned with parallel traffic. B=Body position. You should be facing the street you want to cross in a ready position. Your feet should be at the curb, shoulders squarely over hips, and you should be listening intently for traffic clues. C= curb. You should be able to detect a curb with a drop-off, a blended curb, and a detectable warning. Move up to the curb, or drivers will not know that you intend to cross the street. D= diagonal cane. Use the diagonal cane technique to anchor the tip of your cane at the curb. Extend your cane arm forward so the cane is visible to drivers from every angle. Travelers who are not aligned properly and do not appear to be paying attention confuse drivers. They don’t know which street you want to cross, or if you want to cross at all. Drivers who cannot see your cane cannot use appropriate caution if you step out at the wrong time.
3. Wear a safety vest, especially (but not only) at night. This is much more visible to drivers than a cane. Drivers associate safety vests with construction workers, which will automatically cause them to slow down. They will be in a better position to react to the cane once they have slowed their vehicles.
4. Have a spare cane, if yours breaks during travel. A folding cane can easily be fit into a purse or cane holster. A spare cane at home and another at your worksite will keep you from having a panic if your favorite cane breaks or loses its tip. (If you follow #1, this will be less likely to happen!)
5. Remember that you are responsible for your own travel. Always have Plan B (and even Plan C). Have a taxi wallet with enough money to get to work or home in case of a broken cane or sudden inclement weather.
6. Take a self-defense class for people with vision impairment. Carry a cell phone, a whistle, a small flashlight, and a list of contacts in case of emergency. Learn how to use pepper spray and carry it with you, in some accessible manner, when traveling alone.
Barbara Seever, Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Alphapointe Association for the Blind
7501 Prospect Kansas City, MO 64132
Main: 816-421-5848Direct: 816-237-2060:Fax: 816-237-2065
