NMB Lions Club educates public on white cane use

People who are blind often use a long white cane to assist in their mobility.  Lions  have as a goal the support of needs of people with visual loss.  Part of this commitment is to educate the communitity.

The North Myrtle Beach Lions recently had an event at La Belle Amie Vinyard to demonstrate and inform people about the white cane use. The top ten list of don’ts for motorists when they see a pedestrian using a white cane at street crossings is: Don’t stop your car more then five feet from the crosswalk line. Don’t yell out “it’s okay to cross”. Don’t get impatient when waiting for a pedestrian who is visually impaired to cross. If the pedestrian places the long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a street crossing. If the cane traveler takes a step back and pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time. Don’t consider a “rolling” stop as a complete stop. A stop sign means stop! Don’t turn right on red without coming to a full stop and looking for pedestrians. The Right on Red Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn. Don’t fail to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign. Come to a full stop. Don’t stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk. Don’t pass another car, stopped, waiting for pedestrians to cross the street. Don’t wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or dog guide to indicate that you are waiting for them to cross. They can not see you. Don’t honk your horn.