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Blinder is fighting for barrier-free traffic lights at dangerous intersections in Rastatt
A blind man requests barrier-free traffic lights in Rastatt. Challenges at intersections demonstrate the need for inclusion.
Blinder is fighting for barrier-free traffic lights at dangerous intersections in Rastatt
There are challenges for people with disabilities in Rastatt's city center, especially at busy intersections. A blind young man drew attention to the situation at the dangerous intersection of Bahnhofstrasse and Ludwigsfeste. In his demonstration, he highlighted the urgency of setting up barrier-free traffic lights to increase safety for blind and visually impaired people. bnn.de reports that in reasonably well-equipped cities, special traffic light systems with audible and tactile functions exist, but are not widely available.
What makes a blind light so special? These innovative traffic lights are equipped with a signal for the blind, which enables blind and visually impaired people to cross the street safely. As the website stockundstein.org explains, these systems are equipped with yellow boxes and a characteristic blind symbol. On the underside of the blind lights there is a tactile button that indicates the direction of travel with an arrow. These arrows also indicate whether the crossing is possible without obstacles or whether there is a traffic island on the way.
A number of such traffic lights have already been installed in Rastatt, but the problem remains that many busy intersections, especially on important roads, do not yet have the necessary facilities. It is important that these traffic lights are equipped according to the two-sense principle, i.e. offer both acoustic and tactile signals. However, this also requires compliance with certain standards and laws to ensure accessibility, such as the Disability Equality Act (BGG) and the DIN 32981 standard.
The challenges in everyday life
As many personal accounts attest, blind people often have difficulty crossing streets, especially at night. There are also reports of the signal for the blind being switched off at night due to complaints about noise. This approach complicates the situation considerably for many of those affected, because without acoustic signals, crossing becomes a game of chance. The “Ampelpilot” app can announce traffic light phases, but it becomes problematic when there are several traffic lights in a row.
Article 3 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany stipulates that no one may be disadvantaged because of their disability. aktion-mensch.de emphasizes that the aim of these regulations is to ensure equal treatment, participation and equal opportunities. Accessibility should not be restricted for the benefit of non-disabled people; Rather, a joint effort is necessary to improve the quality of life of all citizens.
Making the changes we need takes more than just hope. Commitment from the community, as well as local authorities, is needed to further promote accessibility in Rastatt and other cities.