Audible, push button traffic signals proposed

MANILA, Philippines - A partylist lawmaker has proposed a measure which seeks to equip all traffic lights with Audible Traffic Signals (ATS) and push buttons to provide safety for person with disability (PWD), elderly and pregnant woman pedestrians when crossing the street.

AMA partylist Rep. Lorna Velasco filed House Bill 4140, or "Person With Disability, Elderly and Pregnant Woman Pedestrians’ Welfare Act of 2014, " to make PWDs, as well as the elderly and pregnant women, self-reliant.

"The audible traffic signal will provide information about the status and relative position of pedestrian light signals while the push button will give more time to PWDs, the elderly and pregnant women to cross intersections," Velasco said.

She said traffic lights and pedestrian lanes are provided for in intersections to enhance safety of pedestrians and motorists alike.

She said since time immemorial, traffic lights have been designed to cater to the general public without any consideration for PWDs, the elderly and pregnant women.

"The absence of device in traffic lights that will assist them in crossing pedestrian lanes places them and others, especially motorists, in danger. This makes it a matter of public concern," Velasco said.

She said that the installation of ATS and push buttons in every traffic light is consistent with the mandate of Republic Act 7277 or the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons."

"Disabled persons are part of the Philippine society, thus the State shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society," Velasco said.

"An audible traffic signal includes two speakers at the end of a crosswalk and a control section. The control section navigates a person crossing by simultaneously emitting sounds as in back and forth call operation from the two speakers disposed at the two ends of the crosswalk for a period during which crossing is permitted," she said.

On the other hand, the push button, whenever activated by a pedestrian crossing an intersection, shall trigger a countdown timer in the traffic light, which will give ample time for a person with disability, and elderly person or a pregnant woman to cross the pedestrian lane.

Under the bill, ATS and push button for PWDs, the elderly and pregnant women shall be installed in all pedestrian crossings with traffic signals that regulate vehicular traffic.

The Land Transportation Office or appropriate government agency shall conduct a time and motion study to determine the sufficient time that will give PWDs, the elderly and pregnant women enough time to cross intersections safely.