People with visual impairments may (but do not have to) carry a white cane when moving around in traffic. They carry it partly because it helps them get around, but also because it makes other people aware of their disability. The white cane is known all over the world.
Signals with the white cane
Straight towards the ground = waiting and listening.
Diagonal = intends to start walking.
When you stop for a visually impaired person at a pedestrian crossing
Be careful of making noise – do not rev your engine and only honk your horn if there is an emergency.
Do not start driving again as soon as the visually impaired person has left your lane, but wait until they have finished crossing the road. This is so that you do not confuse the person with the sound of your accelerating car.
Guide dog
Wears a white harness.
Helps the visually impaired person to avoid obstacles but is not able to assess the traffic situation!
Never disturb or make contact with a guide dog.
Elderly people in traffic
65–74 years old: This group generally has a high degree of maturity and traffic experience, which makes them drive more safely than the 18–19-year-olds.
75 years old and older: The senses are often impaired and the brain starts to work slower, which means that they have a 5–6 times higher accident risk (same as 18–19-year-olds). However, the older group are often mature enough to realise their shortcomings, for example, they avoid driving in the dark and in dense traffic.