Pedestrian safety is greatly influenced by distractions caused by the use of mobile devices while walking, according to the latest research conducted at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The use of mobile phones, such as texting, talking, or listening to music, significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents as pedestrians often fail to notice their surroundings, resulting in a poorer adjustment of speed and direction of movement. This behavior makes pedestrians more susceptible to serious accidents, increasing the likelihood of collisions with vehicles by as much as 45%.

Previous studies have speculated that distracted pedestrians are at a greater risk, but the latest data provides concrete evidence that distraction significantly diminishes the navigational ability of pedestrians. It has been observed that pedestrians who are preoccupied with their mobile devices rarely adjust their speed or trajectory in relation to traffic conditions, placing them in more dangerous traffic situations.

The impact of distraction on drivers

The research also highlights how drivers recognize the risk posed by distracted pedestrians. Drivers often slow down when approaching pedestrians using mobile phones, aware of their unpredictable movement patterns. In some cases, this caution from drivers can reduce the number of accidents, but it is not a long-term solution to the growing problem of distracted walking.

A computer vision system developed at UBC, along with artificial intelligence models, was used to analyze video data collected from the two busiest intersections in downtown Vancouver. The analysis showed clear differences between distracted and undistracted pedestrians, especially in the context of traffic conflicts when vehicles and pedestrians are on a collision course. These conflicts increase the risk of accidents, especially when a pedestrian is distracted by using a mobile phone.

Opportunities for improving infrastructure

The results of the research open the door to new solutions that could significantly enhance pedestrian safety. One possibility is to adjust traffic lights to allow for longer green light durations for distracted pedestrians, while the introduction of auditory signals could help alert pedestrians to danger when crossing the street. It is also possible to use sensors that detect when a pedestrian is distracted and activate additional safety measures, such as raised crosswalks that increase the visibility of pedestrians to drivers.

Cities could consider installing warning signs aimed at pedestrians using mobile phones, as well as developing applications that automatically notify users when they enter high-risk zones, thereby reducing mobile phone use while crossing streets. Along with these changes, the research results also suggest identifying the most risky areas where pedestrian distraction is most pronounced, in order to further enhance safety in those zones.

Enhancing safety through smarter design

This data provides key guidelines for planning safer infrastructure in the future, especially in urban areas where pedestrian and vehicle interactions are a daily occurrence. Infrastructure improvements, such as raised crosswalks and pedestrian crossings equipped with sensors, can help reduce the number of accidents. By implementing these changes, cities can be better equipped to reduce the risks associated with distracted walking, ultimately decreasing the number of traffic accidents over the long term.

Furthermore, the proposed solutions could significantly contribute to the development of traffic models and simulations, allowing for a more thorough analysis of risks aimed at improving the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians. Through a combination of technology and appropriate infrastructure, it is possible to ensure greater safety on the roads and reduce the dangers that pedestrians face on a daily basis.

Source: University of British Columbia