White Cane Safety Day

October 15, 2023

October 15 of each year is National White Cane Safety Day, a day the Council takes to advocate for and educate about the White Cane Law. Since 1964, the day has promoted safe, welcoming communities for people with vision loss or blindness.

The White Cane Law encourages the year-round independence of people in the blind and visually impaired community, creating a sense of empowerment and improving public safety. Thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals around the state of Wisconsin use a white cane for mobility and safe travel.

Fitchburg Common Council stand with Community members holding white canes in city hall meeting room
Fitchburg Common Council Proclamation with Residents

Countdown to White Cane Day 2023:

Days
Check back for a countdown to next year's event.

Community Proclamations in 2023

State of Wisconsin
Appleton
Ashland
Brookfield
Cottage Grove
Fitchburg
Green Bay
Janesville
Kaukauna
Kenosha
La Crosse
Madison
Manitowoc
Menomonee Falls
Middleton
Milwaukee
Milwaukee County
Monona
Monroe
New Richmond
Oak Creek
Oshkosh
Portage
Racine
Reedsburg
Rhinelander
Rothschild
Shawano
Shorewood
Stevens Point

Sun Prairie
Watertown
Waukesha
Wausau
Whitewater
Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin’s White Cane Law Statute N. 346.26(1) states:

“An operator of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian who is carrying a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white trimmed with red and which is held in an extended or raised position or who is using a dog guide and shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid accident or injury to the pedestrian.” 

The penalty for violating the law is between $25 and $200 for the first offense and between $50 and $500 for the 2nd violation.

“The White Cane Law is important to me because the majority of drivers are well-intentioned, but reminders about pedestrian safety, especially for people who are blind and visually impaired, can help drivers stay more alert. There is so much distracted driving going on, and if you know there’s a legal expectation for your driving it can help keep roads safer for everyone. No driver wants to hit somebody.”

Denise Jess
Council Executive Director

Community Proclamations in 2022

State of Wisconsin

Appleton
Ashland
Brookfield

Eau Claire
Glendale
Green Bay

Janesville
Kaukauna
Kenosha
La Crosse
Madison
Manitowoc
Menomonee Falls
Menomonie
Middleton
Milwaukee
Neenah
Oak Creek
Oshkosh

Portage
Racine
Rothschild

Shawano
Stevens Point
Sun Prairie
Superior
Watertown
Waukesha
Wausau
West Allis
Whitewater
Wisconsin Rapids

Community Proclamations in 2021

State of Wisconsin

Appleton
Brookfield
Eau Claire
Green Bay
Janesville
Kaukauna
La Crosse
Madison
Manitowoc
Menasha
Menomonee Falls
Mequon
Middleton
Milwaukee
Oak Creek
Oshkosh
Stevens Point
Sun Prairie
Superior
Watertown
Waukesha
Wausau
West Allis

White Cane Day Resources