"Zombie lights," often referred to as zombie traffic lights, are innovative LED lighting systems embedded directly into the pavement at crosswalks. Their primary purpose is to alert pedestrians who are distracted by their smartphones and looking down, providing a crucial visual cue for safety.
Understanding Zombie Lights
These specialized lights are designed to address the increasing issue of "smartphone zombies"—individuals so engrossed in their mobile devices that they may not notice traditional overhead traffic signals. By placing the lights on the ground, directly within the line of sight of someone looking down at their phone, they effectively communicate the current traffic signal status.
Key characteristics and purpose:
- Embedded in Pavement: Unlike conventional traffic lights, zombie lights are integrated into the sidewalk or road surface.
- Visual Alert for Distracted Pedestrians: They serve as an additional safety measure, specifically targeting those who might otherwise miss overhead signals due to smartphone use.
- Indicate Safe Passage: The lights illuminate in colors corresponding to traffic signals (e.g., green for walk, red for stop), informing pedestrians when it's safe to proceed across the street or when they must wait.
- Real-world Application: An early implementation of these lights was seen in a single crosswalk in central Tel Aviv, demonstrating their practical application in urban environments.
Zombie lights represent a modern solution to enhance pedestrian safety in an increasingly connected, yet potentially distracted, world.
