Smartphone zombies in danger of becoming the no-longer-walking dead

AUTHORITIES have called for walkers to put away their smartphones, as new figures show pedestrian deaths on state roads are 14 per cent higher than they were at this time last year.

AUTHORITIES have called for walkers to put away their smartphones, as new figures show pedestrian deaths on Queensland roads are 14 per cent higher than they were at this time last year.

This year’s pedestrian death toll has climbed to 16 and forced a fresh wave of calls for sweeping changes to the way walkways are policed.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby described the ­increase in people crossing roads while distracted as an “epidemic” and ­suggested $200 on-the-spot fines be ­enforced by council representatives.

Mr Scruby wants to force change to ­curtail pedestrian deaths.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chair Harold Scruby advocates $200 on-the-spot fines for people who are seen to be distracted while crossing the road.

“We understand police don’t have the time or resources to enforce this but council rangers could. If they can fine people for not having a dog on the lead or dropping a cigarette, why can’t they help the enforcement of this epidemic,” he said.

“Along with a national offence called driving while distracted, handing out $200 fines to people who are seen to be distracted, and putting others in danger as a result, would be the first logical step in addressing this.”

Mr Scruby also hit out at Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go, for putting lives at risk.

“The providers of these games take no responsibility. Who is to blame when a young kid steps out onto the road in a trance and is killed?” he said.

“They should be condemned for this – it’s only a matter of time before a driver playing Pokemon runs into a pedestrian playing Pokemon. It’s like the cigarette companies a generation ago denying that the health risks had anything to do with their product.

“I hope the first person that is killed while they’re playing sues them because they are the ones who created these risks.”