Are Drivers Becoming Blind Sighted

Hi! My name is Emily and I am blind. I have a beautiful Yellow Labrador Retriever named Marla. She is my guide dog who I obtained through Guiding Eyes For the Blind. Where I live, there are signs that read "Blind Person Area." When the weather is permissible, we walk throughout the neighborhood.

The biggest obstacle we face is dealing with drivers backing out of their driveways. I believe that they either are not paying attention, or must be visually impaired like me.

In our travels, we have encountered individuals backing up without looking. We have been hit twice, and missed getting hit several times. The thing that really baffles me is that when the driver realizes that they almost hit us, they stop and ask me, "Didn't you see me?" or "I am sorry, I didn't see you." One time a woman asked me why my dog didn't bark to warn the driver. With whom does the responsibility lie?

I want you to know how important it is to look carefully when backing out of your driveway. I will not see you and my dog takes the commands from me. She will pull me away from danger, but cars move fast and, there might not be enough time to get out of the way safely. I cross streets in my travels and once again drivers try to turn down or pull out of the street without having the courtesy to give me - the blind person - or any other pedestrian - the right of way. Also, they do the same thing pulling in and out of their driveways. It is very scary when you can hear the car coming but you are not sure what they are doing.

During these winter months, people idle their cars in their driveways. I don't know whether they are in the vehicle or not, or if they are going to back up when I am walking on the sidewalk behind the car. Because we have been hit before, Marla is hesitant to proceed when we hear a car running. As a result, we usually wait until someone sees the situation and informs me whether or not it is safe to continue. This most certainly decreases my independence.

Turning right on red does not give you the right to go without considering your surroundings. This is another problem for people who cannot see. With the turning cars and the hybrid/quiet vehicles, I put my life in the hands of the drivers.

The moral of this story is: If you can drive a car, do it safely and watch for me, another blind person, a pedestrian or even a child. In the Vehicle and Traffic Law there is a section regarding backing out of your driveway. If you hit someone, you will have to live with the consequences. God has given you good sight which enables you to drive. Please use it wisely.

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