Political Quotes

“I rise in full support of H. Con. Res. 56. There are 1.5 million visually impaired Americans struggling to gain and maintain their independence. Many gain independence through the use of aids to mobility, such as white canes and guide dogs. Unfortunately, not all licensed drivers recognize the significance of pedestrians using these canes or these dogs. They do not make the connection that the user of these mobility aids may be blind. They do not exercise increased caution while driving in proximity to pedestrians using these mobility aids. Some blind individuals have had their white canes broken by motorists not exercising caution as they drive in close proximity. Others have suffered serious personal injury caused by careless drivers. This resolution will make pedestrian travel a little safer for the visually impaired individuals using mobility aids. It is a near-zero-cost motion to encourage States to update their requirements for award of driver's licenses to reflect the need to recognize mobility aids for the blind and the need to increase greatly increase caution while driving near individuals using these aids.”