Roadways not safe enough for visually impaired citizens – Advocate

Local roadways are proving increasingly dangerous for visually impaired persons, who are now too afraid to navigate them safely, according to Leon Amsterdam, President of the Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired.

Speaking on the “Road Safety and You” programme on Tuesday, Amsterdam said congested roads and errant drivers have worsened conditions for blind and visually impaired citizens.

“The streets are not blind-friendly,” Amsterdam said bluntly.  “People who are blind and visually impaired are simply scared to use the road because proper systems are not in place,” Amsterdam said.

Amsterdam added that the  lack of accessibility and safety systems effectively prevents visually impaired persons from living normal lives.

“Proper systems need to be in place so that blind and visually impaired persons can safely use the streets and live their daily lives without fear,” he  stressed.

The advocate within the visually impaired community also emphasised that proper systems and collaboration between the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Works and Georgetown City Council are needed to make streets safer for all.