"Whereas, everyday, Floridians who are blind and visually impaired demonstrate personal courage and determining as they pursue an active life, and;

Whereas, the White Cane Law and other state laws ensure the right to travel independently using a white cane or guide dog wherever a person who is blind or visually impaired chooses to go, and;

Whereas, the public awareness and perception of the White Can Law is the key to implementation and understanding of this State Statute and its objectives, and;

Whereas, The Florida Council of The Blind endeavors throughout the year to heighten public awareness of the White Cane Law by way of special activities held throughout the state on October 15. Now, therefore, Jeb Bush, Governor of the state of Florida, does hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing White Cane Safety Day, October 15, 1999."

Signed and sealed by Governor Jeb Bush on September 17, 1999, in Tallahassee, Florida.

€ Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.

€ Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person not carrying such a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians crossing streets or highways. The failure of any such person to carry a cane or walking stick or to be guided by a dog shall not be considered comparative negligence, nor shall such failure be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action with regard to negligence.