Brits ‘not so smart with phones when crossing the road’

NEARLY a third of Brits have confessed to being glued to their phone when crossing the road, rising to 80 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds, a study has revealed.

The survey by Fiat of 2000 UK drivers and smartphone users found motorists had to take evasive action such as honking their horn (24 per cent), braking heavily (23 per cent) and even swerving around phone-using pedestrians who had walked blindly on to the road (16 per cent).

Worryingly, almost one in 10 motorists stated they previously had to call 999 as they had hit a pedestrian who was on their phone while they were crossing the road.

“Smartphone zombies” walking out in front of a driver while on their devices had also led to some angry words (17 per cent) and rude gestures (14 per cent) being exchanged between the two parties.

The 18 to 24-year-olds were more likely to get involved in these types of altercations (36 per cent making rude gestures and 33 per cent swearing at someone).

Fiat carried out the research to highlight the autonomous driving technology on its new all-electric 500 city car, and said a third of respondents would be in favour of driving a vehicle with such systems.

The Italian marque’s EV features autonomous emergency braking to help avoid potential collisions with motorists, cyclists or pedestrians on their mobile phones.

Additionally, 360-degree sensors not only makes parking easier for drivers but also safer for pedestrians who may unknowingly stray into the road.

Providing a drone-like view thanks to 11 ultrasonic sensors around the car, the technology notifies the driver of object proximity, allowing them to avoid any obstacles when parking or performing complex manoeuvres.

Fiat UK boss Greg Taylor said: “It’s worrying to see such a high number of pedestrians being overly distracted by their phones and putting themselves at risk.

“As the new electric 500 is a city-focussed car, we felt it was absolutely necessary to integrate the highest level of safety into it as there are so many hazards for drivers to be on the lookout for when they are motoring in an urban area.”