In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, residents look at a sign with the words "First Mobile Sidewalks in China" explaining the use of a lane that separates those using their phones as they walk from others in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. (Associated Press)
China, home to 700 million smartphone users, is now experimenting with new ways to prevent smartphone-related accidents: On a 165-foot pavement stretch in the city of Chongqing, pedestrians can choose between a normal lane and an exclusive one reserved for heavy users of mobile devices.
"There are lots of elderly people and children in our street, and walking with your cellphone may cause unnecessary collisions here," Nong Cheng, a marketing official for the group in charge of Chongqing's entertainment zone, told the Associated Press.
The idea is based on an experiment conducted by National Geographic Television earlier this year in Washington, D.C. - and is supposed to (ironically) raise awareness for the lack of attention many smartphone users pay to traffic and other pedestrians.
The problem of smartphone-focused pedestrians is not unique to China. According to the University of Washington, one in three Americans is busy dealing with a smartphone or other device at risky road crossings. It can lead to dangerous situations: The U.S. Department of Transportationrecently established a connection between the increase in pedestrian deaths and such habits.
However, doubts have arisen over the mass practicability of exclusive lanes. Many pedestrians in Chongqing seemed confused, and clearly ignored the instructions.
Residents walk on a lane painted with instructions to separate those using their phones. (AP Photo, CHINA OUT)
The Chinese People's Daily newspaper tweeted pictures on Saturday showing pedestrians with and without smartphones using the cellphone sidewalk.
Contributed by Rick Noack, www.thewashingtonpost.com
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