(a) Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a guide dog or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick, 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 the intersection or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian.

(b) It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise having a severe visual disability, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.

(c) Nothing in this section deprives any person who is totally or partially blind or otherwise has a severe visual disability, not carrying a cane or walking stick and not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians crossing streets or highways, and the failure of any person who is totally or partially blind or otherwise has a severe visual disability to carry a cane or walking stick, or to be guided by a guide dog upon streets, highways, or sidewalks within this State, does not constitute and is not evidence of contributory negligence. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 146.)