German City Launches Traffic Lights for Downward-Looking Smartphone Users
But critics say "smartphone users should be responsible."
— -- A city in Germany has installed special traffic lights for smartphone users.
LED lights have been embedded in the sidewalks at two locations in the city of Augsburg as a test that could be expanded elsewhere depending on results.
"Societies have changed, people look downwards now," Michael Nessler, spokesman for the city's public transport company told ABC News.
People should keep looking at normal traffic lights, Nessler said, but after a fatal accident involving an oblivious teenager last year, the company decided to explore solutions.
"There have been mixed feelings,” Nessler said. “Many people are saying it's a great idea and others believe smartphone users should be responsible.”