Constant Smartphone Usage Forced This Town To Put Traffic Lights On The Ground 

It’s obvious that smartphone usage is on the rise. In fact, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, roughly two-thirds of Americans, Canadians, and Israelis own a smartphone. More substantial is the almost 90 percent of South Koreans who own one. What this means — other than the fact that many more people are constantly plugged into the Internet, email, and Instagram — is that vast portions of the population are walking around distracted by their phones.

"The trend is an obvious hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike, as traffic lights are at times not seen, and thus ignored."

That’s why Bodegraven — a town in northwest Netherlands, roughly between Amsterdam and The Hague — has recently installed LED light strips on their sidewalks that synchronize with traffic signals. The lights turn red or green at crossings so pedestrians will know to stop walking, even if their eyes are glued to their screens.

The technology was rolled out by HIG Traffic Systems, a local company that’s based in Bodegraven. To date, HIG has only completed the LED light strips at one intersection in the town’s square. However, beyond just expanding in Bodegraven, HIG hopes to expand its concept to other larger cities throughout Holland and Europe.

Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/constant-smartphone-usage-forced-this-town-to-put-traffic_us_58ee7a09e4b0156697224bd5?section=us_travel
Image Source: https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/58ee7a481800002400b5f528.jpg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Plug into (idiom) ~ to start using or being involved in it
2. Vast (adj.) ~ of very great extent or quantity immense
3. Substantial (adj.) ~ of considerable importance, size, or worth
4. Expand (v.) ~ become or make larger or more extensive
5. Concept (n.) ~ an abstract idea a general notion

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. According to the article, 90% of South Koreans use smartphones. Based on your observation, is this data accurate? How does smartphone affects the everyday life of Koreans?
2. Is smartphone usage becoming a traffic hazard in your ｃountry? Give some examples on the dangers of using smartphones while walking and driving.
3. What is your opinion on putting stop lights on the ground to lessen the dangers to the pedestrian and drivers of using smartphones?