South Korea has introduced a new kind of traffic light – on the ground. These traffic lights are designed for people who walk while looking at their smartphones. The goal is to help “smombie” (smartphone + zombie) users stay safe when crossing roads.
Why Ground Traffic Lights?
With many people using their phones all the time, even while walking, accidents have increased. In cities like Seoul and Ilsan, it is common to see people crossing roads without looking up. To prevent accidents, South Korea added LED traffic lights on sidewalks, right where people look when using their phones.
These lights change color just like normal traffic lights – red means stop, green means go. Because they’re placed on the ground, phone users can see them even while looking down.
Are They Working?
So far, cities using ground traffic lights have reported better awareness among pedestrians. Many people stop when they see the red light at their feet. Officials are also placing warning signs and using alert sounds to remind people to look up.
