International White Cane Safety Day has been celebrated on 15 October for years, with the goal of getting motorists to pay closer attention to blind and vision-impaired people who use white canes.  But every year sees a huge number of "near misses" – when white cane users are bumped or grazed or confused by motorists.

"I’ve been using a white cane for over 30 years; the last two in New Zealand and before that the UK. In all honesty, I think it’s getting worse if anything. I don't know if motorists ignore all pedestrians, but speaking for myself and most blind people I know, we really feel that many motorists either don’t notice us or can’t be bothered to show us a little courtesy. It's frustrating and it’s dangerous, especially when we are trying to cross the road. All we ask is for a bit of recognition and courtesy so we can get on our way safely," says Neil Jarvis, Manager of Adaptive Technology, Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

Adds Clive Lansink, Vice President of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc: "I have been a white cane user all my life - my personal experience (and I know that I am not alone) is that motorists, and society in general, are unaware that the White Cane is the international symbol of blindness; that it represents achievement and independence."

RNZFB member Julie Woods walking along the footpath using her white cane

"Not only have I experienced near-misses as a result of motorists breaking the law and driving through red lights as I am about to cross, but I often have to find my way around vehicles parked illegally across or over footpaths.  Blind people are also pedestrians and motorists must recognise we have the same needs and rights as anyone else – they must pay attention and stop ignoring the simple courtesies required of them."

The RNZFB sold 809 white canes to members in the last fiscal year. It is not known how many were replacement canes needed after run-ins with motorists, but Neil and Clive say it would be many.

"Every white cane user has their own personal horror stories.  For most of us, having 'near misses' and getting your cane bent or broken by a vehicle is just part of the blindness experience. But it’s just not on," says Neil. "If motorists would pay more attention to white cane users – and be a bit more patient – it would be so much better for us.  And that’s really not too much to ask, is it?"

International White Cane Safety Day is held annually October 15 to remind motorists and all sighted people to show a bit of courtesy and common sense when approaching a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person using a white cane.

White Cane Facts

The white cane became synonymous with blindness in 1921 through the efforts of a photographer in the UK who had lost his vision. And in 1931, Lions Clubs International adopted the promotion of white canes for blind people as a national programme in North America.

The Road Code provides a statement that clearly identifies how blind and vision-impaired pedestrians can be recognised. The Association and Foundation call upon motorists to take heed of these requirements.

The RNZFB now instructs blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people on how to use a cane to get around. Far more vision-impaired people use a white cane than a guide dog.

ABC NZ is a national consumer-driven organisation of, and for, blind citizens of New Zealand. Founded in 1945, ABC NZ has branches throughout New Zealand. It advocates on blindness-related issues, assists government and health agencies, utilities and other organisations in improving services to blind people.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, founded in 1890, is New Zealand's primary provider of rehabilitation services for 11,700 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired members. Every year nearly 1200 New Zealanders join the Foundation. 

-Ends-

For further information, please ring:

Clive Lansink
Vice President
Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc
09 520 4242

or 

Jane Gower
RNZFB Communications Coordinator
09 355 6884