White Cane Safety Day – October 15
Each year on October 15, we recognize White Cane Safety Day, established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to raise public awareness about the importance of the white cane in supporting safe, independent travel for individuals who are legally blind.
The white cane is a vital mobility tool that helps detect obstacles and drop-offs, provides environmental awareness, and alerts others that the user has vision loss. It empowers individuals to navigate their communities with greater confidence and independence.
Florida Motor Vehicle Statute 316.1301(2) requires drivers to come to a full stop when a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog is crossing or attempting to cross the street, and to take all necessary precautions to avoid injury.
For more information about independent travel and vision services:
Independence with Low Vision Program
352-810-9117
ElderCare.UFHealth.org/services/independencewithlowvision
Florida Division of Blind Services
352-955-2075
dbs.fldoe.org
Accessible Text Version: What You Need to Know About the White Cane
Accessible Text Version: What You Need to Know About the White Cane
What You Need to Know About
The White Cane
October 15
White Cane Safety Day
It was established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to improve public awareness of people using a white cane for safe, independent travel.
The white cane is used by people who are legally blind to travel safely and independently.
The white cane detects obstacles and drop offs, provides information about the environment being traveled through and alerts others that the user is legally blind.
Photo description: Two photos show individuals standing outdoors using white canes with red tips extended in front of them.
Did You Know?
Florida Motor Vehicle Statue 316.1301 (2) states
that whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
Resources
Independence with Low Vision Program
Phone: 352-810-9117
Website:
Eldercare.UFHealth.org/services/independencewithlowvision
Florida Division of Blind Services
Phone: 352-955-2075
Website: dbs.fldoe.org
Layout note: The flyer uses a blue background with white and orange text and curved red and white design accents at the bottom.