Hong Kong Tests Ground-Level Red Lights To Hold Back Phone-Distracted Walking

Hong Kong has launched a pilot challenge aimed toward bettering pedestrian security by addressing the difficulty of phone-distracted strolling.

In a metropolis the place pedestrians steadily use their telephones, usually resulting in inattentiveness at crosswalks, new gadgets have been put in at a number of highway crossings. These gadgets challenge a purple mild onto the sidewalk and onto any pedestrians standing on the edge when the “Don’t Walk” sign is energetic, offering a visible cue to cease.

The initiative targets frequent danger elements like inattentiveness and heedless crossing, which have been exacerbated by the widespread use of smartphones. The Hong Kong Transport Department reported that seven pedestrian fatalities occurred between January and June, highlighting the necessity for such security measures — Jaywalkers in Hong Kong can face fines of two,000 Hong Kong {dollars} (roughly $255).

Currently, the gadgets are put in at seven crosswalks throughout town as a part of a six-month trial interval; If profitable, the system may very well be expanded to extra places. This initiative was impressed by related security measures in different international locations, notably in mainland China, the place LED lights have been put in at crosswalks to alert distracted pedestrians.

A survey by NBC News within the Causeway Bay Area revealed that about half of the 100 pedestrians noticed have been utilizing their telephones whereas crossing. Some residents, like Nick Chau and Adrian Chan, discovered the lights intriguing and even snapped pictures, with Chau noting that they may very well be useful for telephone customers.

However, others, together with city planner Ian Brownlee, identified that whereas the lights would possibly help, they don’t deal with different vital pedestrian issues of safety in Hong Kong, resembling slender sidewalks and congestion at crossings.

Filed in General. Read extra about Hong Kong and Safety.