Truncated dome mats are one of the most helpful and important tools that help visually impaired people safely navigate pedestrian areas. However, it can be difficult for a non-visually impaired person to anticipate where visually impaired people may need these warning mats. Thankfully, truncated dome mats have been in use for decades. which has given experts plenty of time to determine where the most effective places for truncated dome mats are located. Read on to learn more about the best places to put warning mats.

Crosswalks

Perhaps the most important and ubiquitous places for warning mats are crosswalks. It can be difficult for a visually impaired pedestrian to figure out exactly where the crosswalk ends and begins. This is where dome mats are placed to help them safely find their way. Many municipalities across the country place warning mats at the crosswalks of all intersections.  

Staircases

Staircases are also a great place for warning mats. Unfortunately, it is less common for warning mats to be placed around staircases than it is for mats to be placed around crosswalks. However, many municipalities are placing warning mats around the staircases on public property. These warning mats are especially common at the tops of staircases, as this area poses a bigger threat to visually impaired people than the bottoms of staircases.

Wheelchair Ramps

There are many visually impaired people in wheelchairs. There has been an increased level of recognition for these people in recent years, it is becoming more common to see staircases around wheelchair ramps. Also, these warning mats keep visually impaired people who are not in wheelchairs from slipping on the ramps.

Escalators

Escalators are frequently seen in extremely large buildings like shopping malls or airport terminals. They are a convenient way for people to go up or down a level. However, escalators can be just as dangerous for visually impaired people as staircases. In fact, escalators may be more dangerous for visually impaired people than staircases, as a visually impaired person could be caught in the machinery. Most escalators, especially those on public property (like many airports) now have warning mats in place to keep visually impaired people safe.

Transit Platforms

Since their inception, warning mats have been used at transit platforms. As with the other locations mentioned in this article, it is more common to see warning mats at a transit platform if the property is publicly owned. Many subways and bus stations now utilize warning mats extensively to ensure that visually impaired people have the same access to public transport as non-visually impaired people.