Sometimes we get so caught up in our phones that we become oblivious to everyone and everything around us. This unfortunately happens while we are driving, and it is very dangerous. It also happens while we are walking down the street - we bump into things, we failt o notice traffic patterns and crossing lights, we nearly bump into things, we become obstructions for other people, and it can also be dangerous as pedestrians on their phones have been hit by cars as they step into a street not noticing oncoming vehicles. It has happened to me occasionally and I have seen it happen to other people.

The City of Tel Aviv is trying something new to help to phone zombies among us and keep them safely moving across streets. They have installed led light strips at a number of major intersections, on a trial basis for now.

With people regularly looking down at their phones, the will notice the led light at the edge of the crosswalk indicating that they should cross the street. If the trial is deemed a success, the led lighting on the street edge will be expanded to other intersections across the city.
source: The Jewish Press

This is a fabulous solution to an ever-increasing problem. We still need solutions for the distracted drivers but at least this will help the distracted walkers.