Gallaudet students present findings from traffic study

From: Gallaudet - USA - Feb 21, 2006

(WASHINGTON) Five Gallaudet students will give their opinions on how to make their community safe.

The presentation, “Helping Many By Helping Few: Using Universal Design to Remedy the Transportation Issues for the Residents of Gallaudet University and the Surrounding Community,” will explore possible remedies to safety concerns in the Northeast Washington neighborhood Gallaudet calls home. The program will take place Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12:30 pm at Gallaudet University, Student Union Building 1010.

Presenting are Seung-hyun Kim, Andres Peidrahita, Michael Kennedy, Saba Hussain, and Kristina Burke.

In January, the students participated in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 85th Annual Transportation Research Board meeting in Washington, D.C. Gallaudet shared the honor with a select few from approximately 50 colleges and universities whose students received scholarships this year through the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program. The program, sponsored by the DOT, Federal Highway Administration, provides recipients with opportunities for careers in the transportation field.
Research findings included:
1. The Deaf community is concerned because their hearing ability makes it difficult for them to receive, interpret and react to environmental cues.
2. The intersections lack clear signs and “easy to navigate” pedestrian walkways.
3. Design of intersections, crosswalks and bus stops need to be examined to make certain that they better accommodate those with low vision and/or reduced hearing. Speed limits can be better enforced.
4. For motorists, many of the intersections do not permit a clear view of pedestrians or oncoming motorists.

Some suggested improvements:
Reposition warning signs to improve safety conditions for pedestrians and motorists on Florida Avenue.
Add pedestrian crossing controls to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.

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About Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduate students. The University enjoys an international reputation for the outstanding graduate programs it provides deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students, as well as for the quality of the research it conducts on the history, language, culture, and other topics related to deaf people. In addition, the University’s Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center serves deaf and hard-of-hearing children at its two demonstration schools and throughout the nation by developing, implementing, and disseminating innovative educational strategies. Gallaudet is located in Washington, DC.