Blind pedestrians may carry what color canes or use the assistance of guide dogs?

Blind pedestrians carry white canes as a universally recognized symbol of visual impairment. The white cane serves two primary purposes: it aids individuals in detecting obstacles in their path and alerts others to their visual impairment. This color distinction is critical for ensuring that other pedestrians and drivers are aware that the person using the cane requires additional caution and assistance due to their blindness or significant visual impairment.

Guide dogs, often used in conjunction with white canes, are specially trained to assist individuals with vision loss. They help navigate obstacles, provide stability, and increase the mobility and independence of their handlers. The combination of the white cane and guide dogs plays a pivotal role in helping blind pedestrians travel safely in various environments.

Other color canes may signify different purposes—such as yellow canes that can identify a person who is deaf-blind—but the standard recognized internationally and in Georgia for individuals who are blind is the white cane. This uniformity is essential for both the safety of blind pedestrians and for public awareness.