Researchers Develop App to Combat Pedestrian Deaths Caused by Smartphone Distractions

John Lopez, Tech Times 12 May 2023, 02:05 pm

Are you concerned about the dangers of distracted walking? Well, you will be happy to hear that researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham have developed an innovative solution to combat this problem. Meet StreetBit, the smartphone-based application that could revolutionize pedestrian safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 7,000 pedestrians lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in the US in 2020. Alarmingly, there are similar accidents recorded at least every 75 minutes.

Smartphone-related distractions were a significant contributing factor to these tragic incidents. However, the StreetBit app is here to change that.

How the Innovative Phone App Works

By utilizing Bluetooth beacon technology, the app provides a vital safety net for distracted pedestrians. As they approach street corners where Bluetooth beacons are installed, their smartphones will receive visual and auditory warnings. These warnings help users stay alert, preventing accidents caused by distractions.

But the benefits do not stop there. The app is also cost-effective, providing a template for future interventions to improve pedestrian safety. A recent study, co-written by five UAB researchers, showed that StreetBit is not only helpful but also a smart investment.

So, if you are a pedestrian who cannot resist the urge to check your phone while walking, don't worry! StreetBit has got you covered. Stay safe and stay connected with this groundbreaking new app. Read more.

Promoting Pedestrian Safety One Download At a Time

Distracted walking has become a growing concern in recent years, with more and more people getting injured or even killed while crossing the street with their eyes glued to their screens.

Medical Xpress tells us that the researchers' study, titled "Cost-benefit analysis of a distracted pedestrian intervention," is the first of its kind to analyze the effectiveness of distracted pedestrian intervention programs like StreetBit, a cutting-edge app designed to help users stay aware of their surroundings while walking.

Researchers analyzed pedestrian injury and death rates, expected costs per injury, and the prevalence of distracted walking in Alabama. They estimated that StreetBit and similar interventions could potentially save between $18 million and $29 million annually in the state alone.

A Call to Action

Jillur Rahim, the first author of the study and a statistician II in the School of Public Health's Department of Health Policy and Organization, believes that the study's findings could significantly impact pedestrian safety across the country.

"We hope the template developed in this study can facilitate large-scale implementation of any intervention designed to prevent pedestrian fatalities and injuries," she said.

"The findings can lead to significant cost savings for the states and, most importantly, save pedestrian lives by facilitating large-scale adoption of such programs," she added.

StreetBit's potential to save lives and reduce injury rates is a promising development in the fight against distracted walking.

The authors hope their work will encourage policymakers to adopt similar interventions and that the template they developed will prove useful in future cost-benefit analyses for pedestrian safety initiatives.

The app is already available for download at the Google Play Store.

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