How do blind people know when to cross a street?
Question I’ve seen blind people waiting at intersections to cross the street, but how do they know when to cross? Jennifer, Maryville, Tenn. Replies When someone goes blind (or is born blind), the other senses attempt to compensate for the lack of information that the eyes supply. For example, a blind person can “feel” a wall before they walk into it. … A blind person’s sense of hearing is more sensitive than the sighted. They listen for cars coming from the directions of the street they’re trying to cross. Some intersections have bells that ring when it’s safe to cross. Others have seeing-eye dogs that know when to cross. S.S.R., 49, female, Penn. They listen to the traffic. When there’s none coming from the dangerous directions, cross. A sighted person can see a blind person at the crosswalk and ask, “Can I help you?” The blind person could say, “Yes, may I take your arm and you can lead me across.” When assisting a blind person, do not grab their elbow and push them forward. Rathe
