North Raleigh Today

Raleigh is a city known for its diversity, with a community that includes farmers, tech workers, and seniors. Among its residents are those who navigate the city using canes and crosswalks, highlighting the city's commitment to inclusivity. Raleigh is home to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, reflecting its support for individuals learning to navigate the world differently.

White Cane Awareness Day, first recognized at the White House in 1964, emphasizes the independence and safety of people who are blind or visually impaired. The white cane symbolizes freedom and safety for those with vision loss and alerts others to their presence.

In North Carolina, over 300,000 people are estimated to be blind or visually impaired. Many use white canes or guide dogs for assistance. State law NC GS § 20-175.2 mandates that drivers yield right-of-way at crossings to ensure pedestrian safety; non-compliance carries serious legal consequences.

On this day, there is an emphasis on respecting the rights of blind individuals by yielding to pedestrians using white canes or guide dogs, stopping five feet before crosswalks, exercising caution with electric or hybrid vehicles, and avoiding honking which may disorient blind pedestrians.

Dr. Rick Scott of Raleigh Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities stated: "White Cane Awareness Day serves as a vital reminder of our shared responsibility to create a safe, inclusive community." He noted recent improvements in accessibility but acknowledged more work remains.

The City of Raleigh has installed Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at 101 out of 663 intersections with traffic lights and plans to upgrade 15 intersections annually until all have APS devices within five to ten years. These upgrades will include bright crosswalks and wheelchair ramps as part of broader transportation projects aimed at enhancing safety across the network.