Using a cane allows a person to come and go on their own, giving them auditory and tactile signals to detect obstacles, steps up or down, and changes in the surface texture. Drivers and other pedestrians are also made aware that the person is not able to see everything and therefore may need some special consideration. End of Story. The driver of a vehicle approaching a blind or visually handicapped, deaf or partially deaf person or physically disabled person who is carrying a cane predominately white or metallic in color, with or without a red tip, or using a guide dog, hearing dog or service dog shall yield to such blind pedestrians and any driver who fails to take such precautions shall be liable in damages for any injury caused such pedestrian. The law further specifies penalties for non-compliance.
Every state has similar laws in their statute books.
We encourage all drivers to extend courtesy and extra caution to individuals using white canes. End of Story. These devices, which magnify print up to 32 times normal size onto a screen, enable a person with significant vision loss to continue to read, balance checkbooks, pay bills, identify medication, and do other daily activities important in remaining independent. Individuals eligible for this program receive an in-depth evaluation from the Society s low vision staff to determine what aids and appliances may be beneficial. Should such devices be helpful, and if the individual meets the financial eligibility, this equipment is provided on a loaned basis for as long as the person can benefit from the device.