Melbourne's pavement crossing lights stop smartphone distracted pedestrians from being run over

Pavement crossing lights implemented in Melbourne to prevent smartphone zombies from being run over.

Virtually every city has seen the rise of ‘smartphone zombies’, pedestrians walking while being distracted by their smartphones – walking into things or crossing roads, completely oblivious to oncoming traffic.

Now Melbourne city has rolled out pavement crossing lights. Located on the ground, these work in tandem with the more traditional traffic lights. Since smartphone users are likely to be looking downwards, the thinking is that they will see the footpath crossing lights before being run over by cars.

It’s a trial designed to run for 12 months, costing more than $100,000. Let’s hope it works, as it’s a much better option than fines being considered by other cities.