WILLOUGHBY, Ohio — A Willoughby man says he’s had some dangerous encounters while trying to cross a busy intersection in the city. He's sharing his story in hopes of promoting positive change.
Terry McCann, who is blind, often walks along Euclid Avenue with his guide dog, Mac, trained by Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Assistance crossing the street also comes in the form of technology with an audible signal to alert pedestrians when it's safe to cross. But it’s what happens when McCann is crossing that leaves him feeling "vulnerable."
"Usually, I can hear [the cars]," said McCann. "I have a little bit of vision, but not much."
McCann said he's been in situations where people will drive around him while he’s still in the crosswalk. Something he calls "dangerous."
"They’ve come pretty close," said McCann. "It’s caused my dog to come to an abrupt stop to keep me from getting hit."
It’s not only dangerous – but it’s also against the law.
"Ultimately it falls down to the driver. They got to be aware that pedestrians have the right of way in the crosswalk."
That would mean the crosswalk should be free of any vehicles until the pedestrian has reached the other side.
"So basically if I set foot in the crosswalk, it’s mine until I exit the other side," said McCann.
McCann shared his story on Facebook, receiving hundreds of responses, in hopes of getting others to pay attention.
"This is not a guide dog or blind person issue, it’s a pedestrian issue," said McCann. "I don’t mind being a poster child, but if that’s what helps make change, then that’s fine."