Phone use by pedestrians - pilot studies

Abstract

People use mobile phones for almost all activities throughout the day. Phones are used to perform activities such as running, cycling and walking on the sidewalk. Most often we listen to music, browse the Internet or just talk. Unfortunately, it should be noted that the use of a mobile phone is not always safe, as it can distract the attention of a pedestrian or driver, which can lead to a road accident. The topic of using mobile phones at pedestrian crossings is much less frequently discussed compared to using a mobile phone while driving a passenger vehicle. The phenomenon of distracting pedestrians with a mobile phone is becoming an increasingly recognizable phenomenon. In many countries, such behavior is severely punished. The use of mobile phones by pedestrians and drivers reduces attention. Despite the risk of road accidents, many pedestrians and cyclists are accustomed to using their mobile phones while traveling in traffic. The aim of the article is to draw attention to the problem of using a telephone by pedestrians crossing an intersection with traffic lights. The collected results confirm that pedestrians often use mobile phones while crossing the pedestrian crossing. Collected data from observational studies reveal several other important findings. Pedestrians using a mobile phone on a pedestrian crossing walk slower. Pedestrians are oblivious to passing vehicles and often cross the pedestrian crossing without thinking or checking in advance. Pedestrians using a mobile phone at a pedestrian crossing do not pay attention to traffic lights, but follow the crowd of other pedestrians