Wig Wag Technology For Blind & Partially Sighted

This last week I’ve been reaching out to various organisations in sharing an idea that could greatly improve accessibility and safety for blind and partially sighted individuals in public spaces.

Floating bus stops and other high-risk pedestrian areas can be challenging for visually impaired individuals to navigate safely. I believe that integrating a trigger mechanism into existing wig wag lighting systems could provide an effective solution. My concept involves a device—such as RFID tags, proximity sensors, or smartphone applications—that would allow blind and partially sighted pedestrians to activate the wig wag lights upon approaching a hazardous area. This would serve as both a visual and auditory alert for pedestrians and cyclists/drivers, increasing safety and accessibility.

Given the expertise in assistive technology, accessibility advocacy and transport safety of the organisations contacted I would love to explore potential collaboration to refine and develop this idea further. If this aligns with their mission, I’d be eager to discuss how we can work together to bring this concept to life.

I am heartened to have already received some positive feedback from the RNIB and others are looking to see how this concept can be taken forward.

I’d therefore be interested to hear the thoughts from any blind or partially sighted users of social media on this and other ways of improving their road safety experience around towns and city’s.