The California Aggie Online is currently undergoing some research and development. Please bear with us as we work to provide a better web site for you. By Sara Jost Aggie Features Writer Guide Dog Users Inc. recommend street smarts for drivers when they meet a working team on the road. Many people mistakenly believe guide dogs can read street signs and decide when it is safe to cross the street. The blind person receives signals from the dog and deciphers auditory messages to determine when it is safe to cross.
Guide dogs learn to stop whenever there is a change in ground elevation, such as at curbs.
This indicates to the blind person that they are approaching a crosswalk. The handler then listens to the traffic and decides when it is safe to cross. Judging traffic flow by sound is extremely difficult and it is important for drivers to look to guide dog teams and help create a safe environment. Car engines are often quiet and intersections can be complex, making it difficult for a blind person to judge the traffic pattern. The best way for drivers to help a team is to drive cautiously.