Seoul installs 'smartphone addiction' warning signs

The number of traffic accidents involving pedestrians distracted by their phones has tripled over the past five years in Seoul, South Korea, prompting city authorities to take action to stop smartphone “zombies” from taking to the streets.

The “zombies” are taking over the streets of Seoul. It’s not a scene from “Train to Busan,” a summer blockbuster in South Korean cinema, but a metaphor for the mobile phone addicts who walk the streets every day, seemingly oblivious to everything around them except the messages and notifications on their phones.

In a city like Seoul where more than 80% of the population owns smartphones, it is not uncommon to witness such a scene. “I almost crashed into a car while texting while crossing the street. I don’t think texting while crossing the street is a big deal. Maybe I just don’t see the danger of it,” said Shin Ji-won, a 24-year-old woman.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that the number of traffic accidents involving pedestrians has tripled in the past five years. “This figure shows not only the alarming increase in the number but also the dangerous level of accidents for pedestrians. Given this reality, the city government must take action to change,” said Kang Jin-dong, head of the city’s traffic management agency.

Signs installed in 5 pedestrian areas in Seoul city

In five of the city’s busiest pedestrian areas, sidewalk signs have been installed. “Be careful when using your smartphone while walking,” reads one sign, which shows a pedestrian who has collided with a car while using his cell phone.

In addition to the signs, sidewalks are also plastered with reminder stickers, similar to no-smoking signs, that say “Walk Safely.” Kang said the six-month pilot project, which cost about $33,000, is going well. “But the signs need to be bigger to attract more attention,” said Kim Young-il, 33, a texting-while-walking addict.

Warning signs posted on the sidewalk

Mr. Kang said that the city's traffic management agency is collecting feedback and contributions from the people about this project. According to the plan, the project will be replicated nationwide in 2017.

Seoul is not the only city in the world trying to address the problem of pedestrians distracted by their phones. Augsburg, a city near Munich, Germany, installed LED strips on the ground to warn pedestrians when crossing tram tracks. In 2014, a park in Chongqing, China, painted a 100-foot (30-meter) lane on the sidewalk to separate pedestrians who are prone to texting. In Rexburg, Idaho, the city government passed a law in 2011 that fines texters $50 for crossing the street.

Research shows that 15% of smartphone users in South Korea are "addicted" to their phones.

“Research shows that 15 percent of smartphone users in South Korea are addicted to their phones,” said Hyun-Seob Cho, a psychologist and professor of addiction rehabilitation at Chongshin University. There are many signs that a person is addicted to their smartphone, according to Cho. For example, the phone feels like an extension of your body, and you feel anxious if you don’t have it with you. Some people are so addicted to their phones that they take their devices everywhere, even to the bathroom. According to Cho, cell phone addiction is not easy to cure. Users must control themselves and be willing to delay gratification for every message, tap, and swipe, even if it’s just for a few seconds. “I think I’m a cell phone zombie too. I need to change, but it’s not easy to put the phone away from your hand,” said Shin Ji-won.

According to PNVN