As technology develops, society shapes itself around these new developments. Automobiles have completely changed our perception of distance and transportation, as well as the layout of cities, while television has changed domestic dynamics. However, the smartphone seems to shake things up even more. In Hong Kong, redesigned traffic lights are being trialled to prevent distracted phone users from getting into dangerous traffic.
One of the biggest problems facing Hong Kong, and possibly every city in the world with a significant smartphone population, is that these devices are too distracting. Even those who choose to keep their devices in a bag or pocket when they go out still can’t escape the endless rain of notifications sneaking in thanks to wireless earbuds and connected smartwatches. This seamless distraction system was designed specifically this way and distracts people from more important things: for example, paying attention to traffic lights and crossing lights.
As part of a six-month trial at four different busy intersections in Hong Kong, traffic lights were renewed by placing LED lamps that reflect a bright red light on the sidewalk on either side of the crosswalk when the red light is on for pedestrians. Thus, pedestrians who look at their smartphones and are distracted enough to not realize they are on the road will both themselves and the screen they are looking at will be under red light.
It is hoped this bright red light will serve as a warning to pedestrians and a reminder to watch out for potential impending danger. Initially it will be difficult to ignore these visual stimuli, but one of the concerns with this approach is that people are very good at getting used to changes and ignoring certain stimuli. The audible tones used to assist the visually impaired at many intersections are now almost lost in the background noise of a busy city for those who are not dependent on them, and over time these red warning lights can become as easy to get used to and ignore as ignoring the sounds of speeding vehicles.
In addition, this solution provides additional warnings only at pedestrian crossings. It will do almost nothing against a distracted pedestrian finding himself in the middle of a busy street.
Still, it will be some time before smartphones are completely replaced by devices such as augmented reality displays that make it easier for users to pay attention to their surroundings. We’ll have to wait a little longer before autonomous vehicles that are better at detecting and responding to hazards such as pedestrians become commonplace, so any safety improvement in this area will definitely be better than nothing.
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