Accommodating Pedestrians with Visual Impairments in and around Work Zones

Results are presented of a Texas Transportation Institute study that assessed how work-zone information can be related to visually impaired users through audio messages. Researchers conducted a two-phase study that included both a laboratory survey and a field test of audio messages presented through motion-activated recordings in a mock work zone. A few of the key points found during this effort are as follows: (a) it is critical that an alternate-route message clearly state that the path will lead the pedestrian to the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street; (b) critical message elements for navigation of alternate routes were the initial turning or crossing instruction and the distance that pedestrians would need to continue on that path; (c) the existence of a high number of driveways can affect the ability of the visually impaired to count the number of blocks they have traveled and should be considered when alternate routes are established; (d) overload of information is still a concern, but there are specific message elements or terms that appear to have a greater adverse impact on recall (e.g., the use of distances in feet) than the typical message loading considerations; and (e) when it is important to provide warning messages about features for the visually impaired walking through or near a work area, it is critical to state clearly that the path is available (i.e., “sidewalk is open”).