With smartphone use eclipsing 60% of mobile subscribers, "distracted walking" is a growing problem in communities across the United States. Portland is testing out several technologies to prevent pedestrians from walking in front of buses.
"This month, TriMet, the transit agency serving the Portland area, will outfit part of its bus fleet with extra devices thanks to a $400,000 Federal Transit Administration grant designed to study technology that can help prevent pedestrians -- often engrossed in their cell phones -- from walking into the path of a moving bus," reports Ryan Holeywell.
The city will test five different audible and visual warning devices, the majority of which are commercially available, over the coming months. "The pilot will run through April, and transit officials will analyze data and hold focus groups to determine which of the technologies may warrant wider use," adds Holeywell.
FULL STORY: Portland Works to Combat 'Distracted Walking'
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