National White Cane Safety Day Celebration is Tuesday, Oct. 15

To our transportation friends,

We wanted to let you know about a special event tomorrow, Oct. 15, on the Portland State University campus. From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Pedestrian Safety Action Coalition Committee will help raise awareness about Oregon and Portland crosswalk laws, and the specific Oregon law that addresses pedestrians who are blind and crossing the roadway using a white cane or guide dog. 

The group will gather at Smith Memorial Union, 1825 SW Broadway St., at 11 a.m., followed by a community walk. Members will share information with drivers, other pedestrians and others nearby.

Community members are welcome to join in the guided walk, become acquainted with safety concerns about quiet cars and drivers not stopping for people who are blind, and develop a deeper appreciation of how you “see” your environment through your senses.

NOTE: Oregon crosswalk law (ORS 811.035) states that “A driver approaching a pedestrian who is blind or blind and deaf, who is carrying a white cane or accompanied by a dog guide, and who is crossing or about to cross a roadway, shall stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed the roadway.”

Learn more on our website, and thank you for staying safe - and helping keep others safe, too!

The Transportation Safety Division team