One of the most challenging challenges pedestrians with visual deficiencies must encounter on the road is attempting to adhere to the safety laws and regulations of the roadway while also coping with a visual impairment or disorder.
Visual impairment has its unique set of difficulties while traveling on roadways, including navigating zebra crossings during peak traffic times and misjudging the height of sidewalk curbs.
On the other hand, what may appear to a visually impaired person to be a challenge may appear to other pedestrians to be carelessness bordering on frivolity, which can lead to severe accidents on the road.
ADA Solutions has begun developing tactile warning surfaces to address mobility and safety concerns about pedestrians on the road. This problem was acknowledged and acted upon by the company.
The Explanation of the Pedestrian Issues
Detectable surfaces are there for more than the safety and preventative measures on the road. When you are lost, a simple road sign that points you in the right way might often be all required to get you back on the right path.
In addition to the truncated domes that ADA Solutions has developed for on-road safety, ADA has also developed cast-in-place photoluminescent systems, way-finding surfaces, and other innovations; they have been concentrating their efforts for quite some time now on developing seamless on-road experiences for pedestrians.
Accidents on the road can be caused by various factors, including endless obstacles, traffic, subway stairs, sidewalk ledges, or curbs. It’s possible that these are inconsequential and unimportant glitches for most people, but for a visually impaired citizen, this may be an insurmountable obstacle. Consequently, how exactly may detectable warning surfaces be of assistance? Through activation of the three basic sense signals — Touch, Smell, and Hearing —
Tactile warning surfaces are often made with raised bumps or ridges, which allow those with total vision impairment to feel the surface change.
Sight
When a pedestrian has a partial visual impairment or a specific visual handicap, employing vibrantly colored tactile surfaces that stand out and notify the pedestrian of a change in the environment can sometimes be an effective solution.
Hearing
Because of the tactile nature of the surface, using a cane or crutch to walk or wheeling a wheelchair over the truncated domes that ADA solutions provide will frequently produce a shift in the sound. In addition, this serves as a notification for particular pedestrians.
Improving the safety of the roads for everyone and everything
It is a common misconception that truncated domes and detectable warning surfaces are designed solely for those with vision impairments. Other factors that need to be considered are innumerable individuals going down the lane, immersed in their phones, carelessly zoning out, or boldly listening to music on full blast while crossing the road. This indicates that the benefits of tactile surfaces may be enjoyed by all individuals, regardless of their level of visual acuity.
Conclusion
Truncated domes from ADA solutions and other alternative tactile surfaces can improve the experience that pedestrians have when walking on roads or sidewalks. These long-term, durable visual signals might be the missing link in redefining on-road safety since they are highly resistant to wear and tear and are protected from UV rays.
