Pedestrian Safety for Visually Impaired Pedestrian

Abstract

The UK is projected to have over four million people with sight loss by 2025, a doubling from current figures (RNIB, 2023). Despite using aids such as white canes and guide dogs, visually impaired pedestrians face challenges like navigating complex crossings and avoiding obstacles on sidewalks (Zeng, 2015; Rey-Galindo et al., 2020). These obstacles not only restrict mo-bility but also contribute to social isolation and reduced independence (Shimizu, 2009; Long et al., 1996). This study explored the safety concerns of blind and partially blind pedestrians and sought to identify interventions to enhance pavement safety. Using methods like Henry Garret's ranking and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests, the study found that 48% of participants felt unsafe on sidewalks. Interestingly, 57.1% identified road improvements that increased their feelings of safety. Concerns differed between blind and par-tially blind individuals, with blind pedestrians worried about unpredictable obstacles and partially blind individuals concerned about other road users' lack of awareness. Additionally, visual impairment type and orientation and mobility (O&M) training levels were found to correlate moderately with safety concerns related to pavement obstacles. Based on these insights, the study recommended interventions in six key areas: infrastructure enhancement, maintenance, road user awareness, regulation refinement, O&M training im-provement, and mobility aid development.