Measure will help blind cross streets

Representatives Neri Colmenares and Teodoro Casiño. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Bayan Muna party-list representatives Neri Colmenares and Teodoro Casiño have filed a bill that would install audible traffic signals (ATS) at all crosswalks in the country for the benefit of elderly and differently abled pedestrians.

Colmenares said the ATS emits a sound corresponding to red, yellow and green traffic lights so the blind and the elderly would know when it is safe to cross a street.

“Since visually impaired pedestrians cannot or may find it hard to see the traffic lights, their safety is compromised as they are vulnerable to accidents while crossing the street,” he said in a statement.

According to the lawmakers, the ATS would also make the blind and the elderly less reliant on other people when it comes to crossing a street.

It would likewise make things safer for motorists and the public, as well as ease traffic flow and congestion, they added.

The bill would have the Land Transportation Office and other agencies concerned see to it that the ATS would be installed at all pedestrian crossings along with traffic signals to regulate vehicular flow.

Earlier this month, the Metro Manila Development Authority announced plans to install audio warning devices at pedestrian lanes in selected intersections in Quezon City and Pasig City to help the blind and other persons with disabilities crossing the streets.

Major cities abroad, such as Hong Kong and Tokyo, have the ATS in their pedestrian crossings. Leila B. Salaverria