Summary - Draft 2

In the article “Floor lights help 'smartphone zombies' keep eye on the road”, Christopher Tan (2017) reported that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented a new road-crossing feature at two locations which involved fixing LED strips onto pavements by those pedestrian crossings. These strips would imitate signals of pedestrian crossings and could be seen throughout the entire day. According to an interview by the author, Gopinath Meno (2017), senior research fellow of Nanyang technological University, stated that the installation of the floor lights would enhance safety of those who constantly stared on their smartphones as they were unaware of the road condition. 

 Even though by implementing floor lights does enhance the safety aspect of the road users, i think it does not fully raise the awareness of the pedestrian safety.

Pedestrian safety has been enhanced upon implementing this feature, however, it does not solve the issue of "Smartphone zombies". On the other hand, instead of creating awareness of the pedestrian safety, it has somewhat encouraged the poor act of being a "Smartphone zombie". With floor lights being installed for trails, the authority should have more approaches towards promoting pedestrian safety. 

 Upon implementation of a feature, the public should be aware of it. Therefore,  publicity should be done through multiple mediums. Firstly, a publicity campaign should be created through social media since social media has somewhat become the main medium of passing information. By doing so, it tells the public about the main purpose behind such implementation and also, the seriousness of the issue, "Smartphone zombies".  Many also felt that the public are unfamiliar with the new implemented feature, therefore, the effectiveness of enhancing pedestrian safety is poorer than it expected to be.  As a result, the purpose of floor lights and how it works should be made known to the public.

 Secondly, general education on road safety should be taught in all primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary institutions.  Youths could be reckless when it comes to road safety as they are unable to read the road situations well enough. Studies have shown that 85% of the youth in Singapore revolve around their phones, many could be potential "Smartphone zombies". Therefore, the youths are a critical group of people to be targeted. 

 Thirdly, imposing a fine would also create public awareness on the issue the government is addressing. By imposing a fine, pedestrian will keep in mind that a fine would be imposed if they use their mobile devices while crossing the road. In the United States, the government has implemented a law to fine all pedestrian who looks or uses their mobile devices while crossing the road. According the article by REUTERS, the Mayer of Honolulu, Mr Caldwell said, " We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in the country."

 In conclusion, floor lights could acknowledge the "Smartphone Zombies" about the pedestrian signs despite having their eyes glued to their mobile devices, but it does not raise public awareness on the safety issues of being a "Smartphone zombie". Therefore, the authority should put their focus on solving the "Smartphone zombie" as it is the biggest issue when it comes to pedestrian safety.
Reference:
Study shows young Asians inseparable from their mobiles, Singapore business review. Retrieved 26 September 2017. http://sbr.com.sg/telecom-internet/more-news/study-shows-young-asians-inseparable-their-mobiles

Honolulu bas smartphone zombies at road crossings. Retrieved 27 September 2017. http://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/honolulu-bans-smartphone-zombies-at-road-crossings

 New flashing LED strips for pedestrians at two traffic-light crossings. Retrieved 27 September 2017. http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-flashing-led-strips-pedestrians-2-traffic-light-crossings

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