[Serious] Passing by a blind person on the street, does rubbing my feet help?

Celivalg@iusearchlinux.fyi to No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 24 points –

So I just saw a joke post about communicating with blind people and commented about something I do, but wasn't sure if it helped.

When I walk past a blind person on the street, I usually rub the back of the sole of my shoes on the ground, hoping to make a bit of noise indicating my presence without needing to warn them through speech.

Since I often wear headphones, I don't know if I make much sound when I walk so I though this would be a good idea and it turned into something I almost do on reflex...

My hope is that it helps... Does it?

9

I had a whole different visual when I first read your question. 🤣

Someone massaging their feet with their hands? While somehow still waking? That’s where my brain went.

Depending on what music you're listening to and how loudly, the leaking from your headphones might be louder than the sound of your feet.

My headphones might be louder then, probably, well that thing is almost ingrained now (I frequently pass by an area with a center for blind people, so there are quoite a few around, not every day, but maybe every 2 or 3) so I'll probably continue doing it

Can't hurt

my thoughts too, although maybe it actually adds additional noise that can make it harder to know what's going on...

Unless it's a very quiet street, it's probably too quiet to do anything.

If a person who is blind is approaching you, the main rule is to just stay out of their way so they don't bump into you or whack your ankle with their white cane. If the street is quiet enough, then you could step a little more loudly, but it isn't necessary.