A white cane is often synonymous with blindness, but many people do not always understand its significance or the laws that affect pedestrians using a white cane. President, Lyndon B. Johnson declared October 15th as White Cane Safety Awareness Day. Since 1964, this date has been observed throughout the United States with events and celebrations to raise awareness of the white cane’s impact on the safety of people with blindness or low vision.
There is a common misconception, however, that white canes are only used by people with complete vision loss. Actually, the majority of people who are blind have residual vision but benefit from the use of a white cane.
People with blindness or low vision use white canes to assist in independent orientation and mobility. The cane allows them to safely locate items in front of them such as steps, curbs, changes in path materials, or other potential hazards. A white cane also helps the user become oriented to their surroundings such as a sidewalk, roadway, or other path which allows them to know where they are and what is around them. Additionally, a white cane serves as a symbol to those around them that the user has vision loss and may not see things in their environment, which is especially beneficial in navigating traffic and other busy or unfamiliar environments.
White Cane Laws
White cane laws vary by state; however, the primary intent of each state law is to ensure that the person using a white cane, which may or may not include a red tip, has the right of way when crossing the street. There are important differences among states in that some require the driver to stop completely, others require the driver to yield, and still others require the driver to be cautious when someone is using a white cane. Many state laws also include the use of a service dog within their laws, though, this is not mentioned in every case. Most states mention the use of predominately white canes (with or without a red tip) but some also note that metallic-colored canes may be included under their law. These distinctions can be important as there are different styles and materials used for white canes that can present slightly differently visually, especially when seen in headlights, which may or may not reflect off the cane. Additionally, some people use other types of canes, such as support canes that may also be white, which support both balance and identification of blindness or low vision. These canes would still apply under these laws. Most states also list the penalties associated with violations of their laws. These laws are typically summarized within driver’s manuals. Additionally, many states discuss the legal rights of someone using a white cane regarding their access to public spaces. These laws often convey the same access as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which allows anyone needing a white cane to use one in any public place.
Despite variations in state laws, it is important for the white cane user and the general public to understand these laws. The cane user should be aware that while these laws exist, they do not ensure the user’s safety, despite the legal requirements of the driver. It is also important that drivers and the general public ensure they are following these laws and are aware of the challenges faced by pedestrians with blindness or low vision.
Blind rehabilitation services can assist you or someone you know in learning how to use a white cane with a service called orientation and mobility, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. If you or someone you know could benefit from meeting with a blind rehabilitation specialist, and you are a service member or veteran, you may be eligible for services from VA Blind Rehabilitation Services. Otherwise, contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency for more information.
A white cane is a device used by many people who are blind or visually impaired. A white cane primarily allows its user to scan their surroundings for obstacles or orientation marks, but is also helpful for onlookers in identifying the user as blind or visually impaired and taking appropriate care.
laws vary by state; however, the primary intent of each state law is to ensure that the person using a white cane, which may or may not include a red tip, has the right of way when crossing the street.
The tip should be made of durable (e.g. nylon) material and 2-3cm thick. The roller tip should be flexible enough to roll in 360 degrees. Handgrip: durable (e.g. plastic or rubber) material which has good grip should be used for all types of canes.
What is a white cane? A white cane is a navigation or identification aid for people living with sight loss. The use of a cane helps a person who is blind or partially sighted explore their surroundings, avoid obstacles and use tactile information to find their way, such as where to cross the road safely.
Yield – In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way when they see my extended white cane or guide dog. Only the blind may legally carry white canes. I listen to traffic patterns to know when to cross streets and to keep a straight line when moving around.
An all-white cane means that the user is completely blind and has no usable vision. A white cane with a red bottom means that the user has low, but some usable vision. A white and red striped cane means that the user is totally blind and/or deaf.
Section 21964 - Prohibited use of white cane. No person, other than those totally or partially blind, shall carry or use on any highway or in any public building, public facility, or other public place, a predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip). Ca. Veh. Code § 21964.
Two types of canes are most commonly used: The support cane provides physical stability.A white support cane can identify you as a person who is blind or low vision. The probing cane (more commonly called a “white cane” or a “long cane”) probes for and locates obstacles in your path of travel.
A cane cannot detect a speeding car or a silent vehicle when crossing an intersection as a guide dog can deem it unsafe to cross. Sometimes wear and tear on a white cane can lead to unsafe issues. If a cane breaks while the user is out and about, it could leave the person with no way of safely navigating home.
A totally or partially blind pedestrian who is carrying a predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip), or using a guide dog, shall have the right-of-way, and the driver of any vehicle approaching this pedestrian, who fails to yield the right-of-way, or to take all reasonably necessary precautions to avoid ...
Things You Should Know. Hold your white cane in your dominant hand with your thumb resting on top of the grip and your forefinger pointing down the side. Sweep your cane with the “constant contact” method by dragging it lightly along the ground. Sweep it left and step with your right foot, and vice versa.
Canes, like hats, were often part of someone's "haberdashery" back in the day. These ubiquitous black canes were not readily visible to sighted people to indicate someone's blindness. Accidents happened.
Most people who are visually impaired don't use a white cane. In fact, only an estimated 2 percent to 8 percent do. The rest rely on their useable vision, a guide dog or a sighted guide. There are actually three different kinds of white canes.
Certain medical conditions may necessitate the need for a cane. Having a diagnosis such as a stroke/CVA, Parkinson's Disease, peripheral neuropathy, vertigo, or multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause strength, flexibility, and balance issues to the point that a cane is necessary for safe walking.
We offer you a free one. You can order a new one every six months. The National Federation of the Blind has distributed nearly 100,000 free white canes since 2008. The white cane gives blind people the ability to achieve a full and independent life, allowing us to travel freely and safely.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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