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The deadly rise of ‘zombie pedestrians’

There is gathering momentum for facial recognition technology to be used to penalise so-called zombie pedestrians who look down at their phones while crossing the road.

Queensland police say there has been a spike in pedestrian deaths and investigations are now focusing on whether mobile phones are playing a lethal part.

“People failing to apply the most basic principle of road safety they were taught as a child,” Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said.

‘Zombie pedestrians’ are on the rise. Source: Getty, file.
‘Zombie pedestrians’ are on the rise. Source: Getty, file.

There have been five pedestrian deaths in Queensland in the last month alone. Police believe at least one could have been due to inattention.

“I know that the use of a mobile phone or a device is being considered as part of those investigations,” Assistant Commissioner Keating confirmed.

RACQ’s Paul Turner said people were texting or on social media while walking across the road.

“It seems like crazy behaviour,” he said.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating says police may have to resort to facial recognition to curb the problem. Source: 7News
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating says police may have to resort to facial recognition to curb the problem. Source: 7News

Bus drivers say they’re sick of having to constantly dodge pedestrians playing an unwitting game of chicken.

“Adelaide Street is probably one of the worst place in Australia that I’ve ever seen for jaywalking and inattention,” Tom Brown, of the Rail Tram and Bus Union, said.

In a situation where death or serious injury isn’t enough of a deterrent, there are calls to implement fines, similar to laws in Hawaii, for those using their phones when crossing the road.

Police believe at least one of five pedestrian deaths in the last month was down to distraction. Source: Getty, file.
Police believe at least one of five pedestrian deaths in the last month was down to distraction. Source: Getty, file.

“What we’re talking about there is really introducing laws or fines that protect people from themselves … from their addiction to their mobile phone,” Mr Turner said.

Mr Brown suggests facial recognition technology at intersections throughout Brisbane’s CBD should be introduced, allowing police to send fines to offenders.

The concept is something police appear to be open to.

“It’s worth considering in the long run,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.