Watch for pedestrians with white canes, special dogs — La Crosse recognizes special safety day

Each October, much of the U.S. recognizes a special day to make drivers more aware of seeing-impaired.

Tuesday was declared White Cane Safety Day by the La Crosse mayor’s office.

Mayor Mitch Reynolds made a proclamation at City Hall, joined by local activist Liz Fryseth and her guide dog, Waffle.

Fryseth warned about the hazards she faces at intersections.

“Watch before you take a right turn,” she warned drivers. “There’s been a lot of close calls with pedestrians as far as that goes, and I know that I am only one person, but I know that there have been others that have had very close calls, if not being hit within our city in the last few months.”

Fryseth said drivers seem to be more aware of the sight-impaired than in the past, but feels it’s good to remind people to travel safely.

She also called for more safety precautions in La Crosse.

“Getting more accessible pedestrian signals (abbreviated APS) throughout our city, so not just noticeable, but audible,” she said.

Lastly, Fryseth said drivers need to put their phones down and pay more attention to the road.