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National White Cane Day Observed to Educate Drivers, Honor Users

(OKLAHOMA CITY) You press a button, listen for traffic, find the lowered curb, and begin to cross the street, armed with only faith that every driver at that intersection will see you: Faith, and more than a small amount of courage.  

Welcome to the world of approximately 4 million people in the nation who use a white cane and over 15,000 in Oklahoma who are legally blind, many of whom use a white cane. And while not every one of them uses a cane, many who use other assistance are faced with the same treacherous transportation difficulties.

Officially, Saturday, Oct. 15, is National White Cane Day, a time when the nation honors the bravery of people who are blind or visually impaired and the independence the white cane with a red tip signifies in their lives. It is intended to also serve as a reminder to everyone to be more aware of those who carry the cane, and give them the consideration they need to walk safely around their world.

By Oklahoma law, drivers are required to stop and remain at least 15 feet away from anyone using a white cane on a roadway or in a crosswalk.

To people who are blind or have a visual impairment the white cane they are identified by symbolizes their independence; the only alternative to becoming home-bound, reliant on others for even the most basic of transportation needs. They literally live by their white cane. Some die from it, or more precisely from drivers’ lack of understanding and respect for the person using it.
 
Every year many people who are blind or visually impaired are injured or killed by motorists, and with the projected number of the blind or visually impaired to double by 2020, the fatality rate threatens to rise as well.

“I’m trying to keep from becoming one of those statistics,” said David Hite, president of the Stillwater Vision Support Group and on-camera spokesperson for a recently filmed public service announcement sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. “I can’t even remember how many close calls I’ve had, once I could feel the side (view) mirror of a car brush by me.”

“Being blind is more scary than anyone can ever realize- when I lost my vision the only thing I asked for was to not (go on living this way). I seriously considered suicide, but I started thinking about my kids and grandkids.

To drivers Hite said, “My life is in your hands, that’s the bottom line of it. It is your mistake that would cost my life.”

He adds, “I’ve come too dang far to get run over now.”

The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides assistance to Oklahomans with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living and residential and outreach education programs.

Those with visual disabilities are served by the Division of Visual Services.  That division can be reached by calling toll free (800) 845-8476.