For years, we have been warned about the dangers of texting while driving. However, a growing issue in a lot of major metropolitan cities is pedestrians walking and texting at the same time – also known as distracted walking – which creates an unsafe environment as many cross the street without being aware of their surroundings.
In the southwest Chinese city of Chongqing, smartphone owners can now walk and text as much as they please without fear of bumping into someone not immersed on a phone. Called “China’s First Cellphone Lane,” the 164-foot long piece of sidewalk maintains a large white line with the other side for non-smartphone users.
There are two signs at the beginning of each sidewalk: “Cellphones, walk in this lane at your own risk” and “No cellphones.”
It is being reported that pedestrians are not taking the new lanes seriously: bystanders are taking photos and those on their smartphones aren’t even noticing the new lanes.
Many people would simply scoff at the notion that there needs to be a sidewalk dedicated to distracted walkers, but it has become a dire issue. According to the Associated Press, nearly 1,200 people were treated at hospitals in 2011 for injuries sustained during walking and using a smartphone or other type of mobile device.
Some cities have started to take action. In 2012, Philadelphia pulled a prank on April Fool’s Day by installing an e-lane for texters and individuals with headphones, which was the inspiration behind China’s latest addition. Although it was simply a joke, numerous pedestrians were upset when it was taken away. But this kind of e-lane was also meant to draw attention to distracted walkers.
Other municipalities have attempted to pass legislation that would fine individuals who text and cross the street at the same time, while transit authorities have tried to prohibit the use of smartphones by passengers as they board the modes of transportation. These bills weren’t passed.