'Preventing Traffic Accidents Among Smombie Generation'... Bucheon City Pilots Smartphone Blocking System

Bucheon City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 15th that it will pilot the 'Crosswalk Smartphone Blocking System' using advanced information and communication technology at two elementary schools to prevent traffic accidents involving children known as 'Smombies (smartphone + zombie)'.

This system was developed by utilizing the pedestrian signal voice guidance auxiliary device connected to the traffic signal. It provides a service that temporarily blocks the smartphone screen around the crosswalk during the pedestrian green signal via Bluetooth to smartphone users who have installed the related app.

As the number of Smombies, who focus on their smartphones and do not pay attention to their surroundings, gradually increases, the core idea of introducing this system is to technically restrict smartphone use so that pedestrians can check the surrounding traffic conditions before moving.

A service that blocks the smartphone screen during the green signal at crosswalks is being implemented.
[Photo by Bucheon City]

The elementary schools selected for this pilot operation are Bucheon Ilsin Elementary School and Okgil Budeul Elementary School, where it is expected to prevent children's traffic accidents at crosswalks and create a safe walking environment.

The city plans to analyze the pilot operation results by the end of this year and then expand the installation of the system and service areas mainly to high-accident zones within child protection zones.

A Bucheon city official stated, "Many children walk with their heads down while looking at their smartphones, causing frequent dangerous situations," and added, "We will create an environment where children can walk safely by not only providing pedestrian safety education and publicity but also utilizing smart technology."