OMI Foundation
3 min readJan 31, 2025

Eyes Up, Phones Down = Safe Pedestrian!

Author: Anish Michael

Image: Getty

As we celebrate Road Safety month, much of the conversation focuses on reckless driving, speeding, potholes, road infrastructure etc. However one critical issue often gets overlooked: distracted pedestrians. This seemingly harmless habit of walking while swiping and scrolling is turning into a silent but serious threat, claiming lives and putting countless at risk. It is time to turn our attention to this dangerous behaviour and address it before it’s too late.

The Smartphone Dilemma: A Global Hazard

In today’s hyper-connected world, smartphones have become an extension of ourselves. Social media notifications, texts, mails and videos compete for attention. But this distraction while walking comes at a cost — pedestrian safety. While pedestrian fatalities stem from various factors like driver error, inadequate infrastructure etc, mobile phone use is significantly influencing pedestrian behavior and increasing road incidents. Several studies have established distracted walking is becoming one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents globally.

In 2022, the United States recorded over 7500 pedestrian fatalities, with distracted walking as a key contributor. In India, where urban chaos and high pedestrian density amplify risks, over 35,000 pedestrian fatalities accounted for 20% of all road deaths.

Interestingly, a study in a busy Delhi market used eye-tracking technology to find that pedestrians engaging in mobile use faced a higher risk of unsafe events while crossing roads. In contrast, attentive pedestrians consistently made safer choices when navigating vehicle interactions. This underscores an urgent need to address the silent crisis of distracted walking before it claims more lives.

Solutions That Catch the Eye

So how can technology itself solve this? Some countries are stepping up with innovative measures to address this issue, meeting pedestrians quite literally where they are, on their phones! However, it’s important to note that these measures are not designed to encourage mobile use while walking, but to enhance pedestrian safety in an increasingly connected world.

  1. Germany: LED Pavement Signals
    Cities like Augsburg and Cologne have introduced LED traffic signals embedded in footpaths at busy intersections. These “in-ground lights” flash red or green, designed specifically to grab the attention of pedestrians looking down at their screens. Early results show that these lights have improved pedestrian compliance with traffic signals.
Image: City of Augsburg / N-TV
Image: City of Augsburg / N-TV

2. South Korea: Smart Crosswalks
South Korea has developed “smart crosswalks” equipped with motion sensors and LED lighting. When a pedestrian steps onto the crosswalk while distracted, the system triggers flashing lights and audible alerts to warn both the pedestrian and approaching drivers.

3. Netherlands: Lightlines
Bodegraven, a small town in the Netherlands, introduced illuminated strips of LED lights called “Lightlines” embedded in sidewalks. These strips change color in sync with traffic signals, ensuring that even the most distracted walker knows when it’s safe to cross.

Image: Reuters/Phil Noble

4. China: Pedestrian Lanes for Phone Users
In Chongqing, authorities have designated special walking lanes for phone users, separating them from other pedestrians. While it’s more of an awareness campaign, it highlights the importance of addressing distracted walking behavior.

Image: Imaginechina/REX

As we observe Road Safety Month, it is crucial to address the growing crisis of pedestrian fatalities with decisive action. Adopting technology-driven solutions proven effective globally can play a transformative role in improving safety. While advocating for smart, pedestrian-friendly cities is essential, the core message remains clear and powerful: Put the phone down and stay attentive to your surroundings.

OMI Foundation
OMI Foundation

Written by OMI Foundation

OMI Foundation is a new-age policy research and social innovation think tank operating at the intersection of mobility innovation, governance and public good.

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