Winter weather means shorter, darker days and reduced visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. Besides being more cautious and giving yourself extra time to get to your destination, there are many types of high-visibility clothing and accessories you can wear to be safe while traveling at night.
At The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., our Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists work with employees who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities to gain the necessary skills training to travel safely and independently. Last month they hosted the annual Fall Safe Travel Sale Day, where employees could view and purchase various high-visibility gear directly from local retailers. We had a very good turnout with many purchases that will hopefully improve Lighthouse employees’ personal safety on the street.
O&M Specialist David Miller said, “We’re just trying to give out employees every possible edge they can get to be seen and reduce risks traveling at night.”
“I have my (white) cane, but I got this awesome orange jacket and hat so I can better be seen by cars,” said Deaf-Blind employee Tomasa Gonzales.
Several vendors such as Whistle Workwear and West Marine have participated in Fall Safe Travel Sale Day for several years. In his fourth year as a vendor, Jeremy Kramer, Manager at Whistle Workwear Seattle, explained “This is the highlight of my year. It’s inspirational and makes you feel good seeing people work through their struggles.”
“People keep coming back and each year we have new vendors,” added David Miller. “These items are sold commercially and easily obtainable, we’re just making it convenient for our employees to purchase them.”
“I totally want to come back next year,” remarked Lisa Joaquim, Retail Operations Assistant Manager at Brooks Running. “I feel like I’m seeing retail in a new light and finding new ways to describe things. I’m blown away and very moved.”
Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s Fall Safe Travel Sale Day a big success!
