Light Up the Streets: A Smart Safety Hack
Do you think this tech should be installed in the UK?
Imagine walking across a road and a bright light pops up on the curb, pulsing like a phone notification, just when you’re looking down at your screen. That’s the concept behind the new pavement lights rolled out in a Dutch town. The idea is simple: if you’re distracted by your phone, these lights will grab your attention and sync the hue with the traffic signals.
How it Works
- Attention Grabber – The light flashes brighter when you’re staring at your phone.
- Signal Sync – The color changes to match the stop/go signals, so you’re not walking blind.
- Playful Prompt – Think of it as a friendly reminder that “your safe crossing time is starting now.”
The Sides of the Argument
Support
Councilor Kees Oskam says our obsession with games and social media has stolen our traffic awareness. “We’re losing sight—literally—of what’s happening around us,” he reminds us. The lights aim to reclaim that awareness by giving folks a gentle nudge to look up.
Criticism
On the other side, Jose de Jong of the Dutch Traffic Safety Association (VVN) argues that the tech might actually reward the behavior it’s meant to curb. “We don’t want people to look at their phones when they’re about to step onto the street,” he says. According to the VVN, pedestrians should always scan their surroundings and make sure cars respect the red light before crossing.
Where It’s Currently Trying Out
The trial lights are installed at a single crossing near three schools in Bodegraven. The company behind the idea plans to spread the innovation to more towns if the pilots go well.
What It Means for UK Roads
Whether the UK should adopt this technology depends on a few factors:
- Urban Traffic Volume – Higher foot traffic could justify the lights.
- Public Acceptance – People need to be open to a light that tells them when they’re too glued to their phones.
- Effectiveness Evidence – Data from Dutch trials would guide whether it reduces phone‑related accidents.
Bottom line: it’s a clever try to keep kids—and anyone crossing a busy street—safe from the lure of our screens. Whether it works in practice, the UK will have to find out. Stay tuned, and keep your eyes on the road—literally!
