Pedestrian Distraction from Smartphones

This report documents the pedestrian distraction and smartphone use project undertaken by MUARC over the period September 2017 to June 2019. It presents the literature review undertaken of previous research in the area, the review of countermeasures and regulations around the world, the observational study completed of actual smartphone use by pedestrians in Melbourne, the pedestrian interviews conducted, the focus group undertaken, and the road safety expert workshop held. It then presents discussion, possible actions and conclusions based on the findings from the project. Situated within a safe systems framework, the possible actions include additional separation and other infrastructure initiatives, encouraging safe walking, greater use of ground signage, and better education
in schools and the wider community about the risks of walking whilst being distracted by a smartphone.