The white cane and guide dog are the most easily recognisable symbols of blindness. While most drivers will do everything they can to assist a blind or vision-impaired person negotiate traffic, sometimes that can make things difficult and dangerous.

Over sixty-five percent of blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders are over the age of 65. For some, a vision-impairment is just one of several conditions caused by ageing and can compound the problems created by arthritis, poor balance and poor hearing.

Not everyone who is blind or vision-impaired will have the mobility skills taught by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind as described in this brochure. Drivers must always be prepared for the unexpected.

Crossing the road

An ordinary road

Blind and vision-impaired people are taught to find the kerb and then listen for a gap in the traffic. Their cane may be resting against the kerb edge, or they may have a guide dog beside them.

Do not brake suddenly, blind and vision-impaired people will have heard you coming and are unlikely to step onto the road.

Do not stop to let a blind or vision-impaired person cross as though they were at a zebra crossing. The sound of your engine will mask the sounds made by other vehicles that may not stop. Also, the pedestrian will not know why you have stopped – it could be for some other reason than to let them cross. They have no guarantee that you will not suddenly move so are unlikely to attempt to cross.

A zebra crossing

A blind or vision-impaired person may take longer than you would expect to START crossing at a zebra crossing. They have to listen to make sure that traffic has stopped in both directions so please be patient.

Do not flash your headlights or sound your horn.

Do not shout instructions to anyone. This can be distracting or dangerous for a blind or vision-impaired person as you could be talking to someone else.

Do not stop short of the crossing as this can confuse a blind or vision-impaired person because they won't know if you are waiting for them to cross or you are waiting to turn. The engine sound is the same so drive up to the white line as usual.

A buzzer crossing

Don't be confused if a blind or vision-impaired person hesitates at a buzzer crossing, it takes time to line up for a straight crossing so they may be waiting for the next light sequence.

Do not stop if the lights are in your favour. This can confuse the pedestrian and it also exposes you to the risk of being struck by a vehicle from behind. Also, traffic in the opposite direction may not stop as you did.

Do not stop with your car straddling the crossing. If a person using a white cane attempts to cross they may walk straight into your car. If you find yourself straddling the crossing DO NOT roll back once pedestrians have started crossing. It is better for someone to walk into a stationary vehicle rather than a moving one.

A traffic light controlled intersection

People who are blind or vision-impaired are taught to cross an intersection when the traffic parallel to their route begins to move. Doing this by listening takes a little longer than usual so they may not step onto the road the moment the light changes.

If you are going straight, do not delay starting forward when the light changes (that is their prompt). If you are turning across their path, give them time to make their move. Do not ‘rev' your engine while waiting at the lights, this can be taken to mean you are about to move off.

When turning, give way to ALL pedestrians. You do not know if they've seen you.

Helping blind and vision-impaired people

Negotiate traffic

• Always ask first if assistance is needed.
• Do not take hold of the white cane or guide dog. Breaking their or their guide dog's concentration can be very dangerous and cause injury.
• Be precise when giving directions – "go straight ahead about 100 steps" is much clearer for a blind or vision-impaired person than "over there".
• If you think help is needed, drive past the pedestrian first before stopping so your car does not block them from the view of other traffic.
• If they need to be guided there are techniques to ensure it is done safely and discreetly –
  • Ask them which side they'd like to be guided on (or stand on the opposite side of their cane or guide dog)
  • Let them take your arm above the elbow (your arm can be straight or bent)
  • They will then walk about half a pace behind you following your movements up or down steps or around obstacles
  • Keep your arm close to your body so that the person you are guiding can follow your movements
  • Before stepping off or onto a kerb or stairs, pause and tell the person you are guiding that is about to happen – "two steps down" or "a flight of stairs up"
• Let the blind or vision-impaired person know that you are leaving them. It can be embarrassing to be left talking to thin air!

Getting in and out of cars

You don't need to physically help a blind or vision-impaired person get in a car, simply –

• Guide the person to the passenger's side of the car
• Tell them which way the car is facing
• Place the hand of your guiding arm on the door handle and let them slide their hand down your arm to it

When your blind or vision-impaired passenger is getting out of your car you should first check that the area is clear and safe for them to exit. Then offer your arm and guide them to a place where they can orientate from.

Do not push the blind or vision-impaired person in front of you – they cannot see what is coming, you can.

About the RNZFB

The RNZFB is the primary provider of vision-related rehabilitation services to 11,500 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people. For more information:

phone: 0800 24 33 33
visit our website: www.rnzfb.org.nz
email us: general

Related Links

Using orientation and mobility skills to get around
Using a guide dog to get around