People walking with their heads tilted down at their smart-phones are a familiar sight these days, but to authorities in Augsburg, Germany -- it's too familiar. They became so concerned about pedestrians ignoring traffic signals that they made a drastic move.
The city installed traffic lights where phone-obsessed folks can see them -- embedded right in the pavement!
In a recent survey conducted in several European cities, researchers found that almost 20% of pedestrians were distracted by their smartphones. In the U.S., it's worse. One in three Americans is browsing Facebook or texting a friend at dangerous road crossings.
Some people have called the sidewalk traffic lights a waste of taxpayer money. But city officials maintain it's a move aimed to prevent the injuries that can happen from distracted walking.
Instructional Links
Website Article: TeensHealth, Texting on the Move
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/texting.html
PDF: Office of Compliance, Fast Facts, The Hazards of Using Mobile Devices While Walking
PDF: Work Safe, Tool Box Talks, Texting and Walking
Website Article: Augsburg Tourism, Augsburg