Guide Dogs NSW/ACT continually surveys people who use our
services, and has identified road crossings as the greatest
concern to clients. Comments one client: "Crossing the road is a
matter of life or death for me. It's bad enough having bad eye
sight, without having broken bones . . ." Poorly designed or
constructed road crossings are the single most hazardous aspect
in the built environment for people who have impaired vision. To
ensure that everyone in the community is able to cross a road
safely, the following factors should be considered during road
construction: When crossing a road, people who have impaired
vision often use the kerb ramp to align themselves and then walk
in a straight line to the other side. If the ramp does not align
squarely with the kerb, it can lead people on an angle into the
roadway, rather than directly across the street. It is
important, therefore, that: - Kerb ramps align squarely with the
direction of road traffic; - Kerb ramps on either side of the
road are directly aligned