asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that under the United States of America Road Traffic Act, blind pedestrians who are using a guide dog or carrying a white cane have the right-of-way; and if he will introduce a similar measure here.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blind Pedestrians.
27.
I always welcome and sympathetically consider suggestions which might assist handicapped people to cope with traffic problems. I am not convinced on the information available to me, however, that the introduction of a statutory control such as that suggested by the Deputy would be merited.
I am glad that the Minister is prepared to investigate the possibility here. Is he aware that according to statistics there are about 6,000 to 7,000 persons who are totally blind and who are aided by canes, and that lives are at daily risk when they are crossing roads?
I would agree, but it would be wrong to give a false impression to persons who are blind that simply because they had a white stick in their hand or a guide dog with them they were perfectly safe in crossing a road at any time, and this impression might be gained by giving this sort of statutory authority. It has been tested in some places and has not proved very successful. In fact, accidents have occurred which otherwise would not have occurred as a result of the persons being under the impression that they had rights which were no use to them because the people who were driving were not aware that they were blind. Many sighted people walk with a stick in their hand or with a dog leading them.
Is the Minister aware that it was tested in California and has proved very successful and that it is part of the road traffic law in California?
It is, in fact, in a number of countries, including some of the States, as the Deputy says, but even if it were possible or desirable there is no such regulation which could be made legally under the Road Traffic Act to cater for such a situation. Even if it were possible to do it I would have gave doubts that it would help blind people. It might do more harm than good. The matter is being considered by An Foras at present, but as of now I am not too happy about the suggestion.
I agree on a number of the areas that the Minister has mentioned, but it has been proved in other countries.
A question, Deputy.
In view of the fact that we have statistics from other countries would the Minister be prepared to give this matter immediate consideration?
In view of the fact that Deputy Wyse is very anxious to see this done, I should tell him that we have consulted a number of people dealing with the blind. Some from the National Council for the Blind stated that their people were instructed to wait for assistance crossing all streets and roads; some from the National League for the Blind stated that it would not be feasible in busy streets; it might be on country roads; there would have to be two regulations. St. Mary's School and Home for the Blind said that the measure would undermine the self-reliance which teaching was designed to instil. We have not found anyone dealing with the blind who feels that this would be of further assistance to the blind. I am sorry, but this is the information which we have got. Therefore, Deputy Wyse can see why I am not anxious to suggest making such a change. However, the matter is still being considered.