Signals that chirp could be coming

Angelique Flores

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Terry Coakley has had too many close calls trying to

cross the street.

Cars fly past the sight-impaired Fountain Valley resident, in part

becuse she has a hard time telling when the walk light is green.

But that may not be a problem for Coakley much longer.

Coakley, a member of the Fountain Valley Advisory Committee for the

Disabled, has suggested the committee ask the city to install audible

traffic signals at various intersections for blind, partially blind and

elderly pedestrians.

“Several of my friends have already been hit or had their canes

whipped away by cars,” she said.

Audible traffic signals are attached to traffic lights and use a

chirping signal to indicate the direction traffic is flowing.

“It may make a little noise, but consider the noise the ambulances

make,” she said.

The committee is preparing a report to be presented to the Traffic

Advisory Committee for its review and analysis.

Because the blind can hear traffic at busy intersections, the quieter

streets will be the ones likely to receive an audible signal, said Don

Heinbuch, the city’s administrative services manager.

Without the signals, Coakley says she finds herself walking miles out

of her way just to cross at intersections where it’s safer for her.

“I go through shoes like you wouldn’t believe,” she said.

Installation of the signals will cost the city about $2,000 for each

intersection, Heinbuch said.

“We want to try to meet the needs of all residents, not just the

sighted ones,” Heinbuch said.

The advisory committee will meet again May 4. The group hopes to have the

signals approved by the council by June.

To assist the committee in their review, the public is welcome to

offer suggestions about the intersections where audible traffic signals

are needed, Heinbuch said.

Suggestions can be made by calling 593-4412, sending a e-mail to

[email protected] or writing a letter to Administrative

Services, Audile Traffic Signal Survey, 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain

Valley 92708.