KOUTS — A new crosswalk in Kouts, Indiana will tell you when it’s safe to cross. Literally. This new technology
safety device which utilizes vibration and sound was installed last month by the Indiana Department of
Transportation (INDOT) at State Road 49 and State Road 8 in Kouts in Porter County to ensure safe
passage for those pedestrians who are visually-impaired. The location was selected due to the benefit it
would provide for a nearby blind resident of the city. Audible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are typically
installed upon request along a specific route of travel for a particular individual, or group of individuals
who are blind or visually-impaired. INDOT worked with blind advocacy groups to ensure the APS was
installed at this location.

Accessible pedestrian signals are devices that communicate information about the WALK and DON’T
WALK intervals at signalized intersections in non-visual formats to pedestrians who are blind or who
have low vision. The pedestrian push-button has a locator tone for detecting the device and a tactile
arrow to indicate which pedestrian street crossing is served by the device.
INDOT continues be at the forefront of technology utilizing these APS devices, as well as modernized
traffic signals which continue to be installed throughout the district. Modernized signals are equipped
with the addition of a flashing yellow arrow. Flashing yellow arrow signals allow left-turning traffic to
yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and turn when a suitable gap is available. This
type of signal improves intersection efficiency by using cross-traffic gaps to allow more left turns.

National research has shown the flashing yellow signal is more intuitive for drivers, results in fewer
crashes and moves traffic more efficiently at intersections. These signals are being used successfully
across Indiana, and nationwide.