It's fairly rare for most people to leave the house without a phone in hand, which is causing a problem for crosswalk safety. Knowing that today's youth are easily distracted by chat messengers and social media, mobile network provider O2 developed 'Watch Out!' a beacon that is set up near crosswalks to alert phone users of oncoming traffic.
To make use of Watch Out, the appropriate app must be installed and a phone's Bluetooth feature must be enabled. From there, when a person approaches a dangerous location, they are sent a signal that immediately blocks all smartphone activity, helping to bring a pedestrian's full attention back to the crossing in front of them. Although the success of this app relies on installation, activation and proximity to beacons, it still has the potential to be life-saving.
Pedestrian Safety Beacons
O2's 'Watch Out' Beacons Improve Crosswalk Safety
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Safety Beacons - Developing mobile safety beacons that alert phone users of oncoming traffic have the potential to reduce pedestrian accidents.
2. Pedestrian Safety Apps - Creating pedestrian safety apps that block smartphone activity near crosswalks could improve pedestrian safety.
3. Bluetooth Beacon Technology - Innovations in Bluetooth beacon technology could improve safety systems for pedestrians and vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Telecommunication companies could develop similar technologies to improve pedestrian safety around urban areas.
2. Mobile App Development - App developers could create pedestrian safety apps that utilize location-based services and Bluetooth technology.
3. Smart Cities - Smart city developers could incorporate mobile safety beacons and pedestrian safety apps into urban infrastructure to improve safety for citizens.