New Traffic Lights for "Smombie" Safety 



The Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed yesterday that it is cooperating with the Road Traffic Authority to install traffic lights on the ground to help “smombies” avoid traffic accidents.

“Smombie” is a new phrase that combines “smartphone” and “zombie,” coined to denote people who use their smartphones while walking.

The first lights will be installed this month at the junctions at Sejongno and Seoul City Hall, where traffic lights will be linked to the ground signals.

In addition, 424 new signs that warn of smartphone use while walking will be installed at all major crossings with high foot traffic.

The Seoul government says that traffic accidents involving “smombies” grew 2.5-fold in five years, from 437 cases in 2009 to 1,111 in 2014.

Despite a slowing trend in the total number of traffic accident deaths, the percentage of pedestrian deaths has not fallen, which is why the local government has decided to implement the new measure.

A government official also said that cooperation is key in cutting down on traffic accidents. “Both drivers and pedestrians should work together so that the safety measures can be effective,” said Kang Jin-dong, a director overlooking traffic operations at the Seoul government.

Article Source: http://koreabizwire.com/new-traffic-lights-for-smombie-safety/118582
Image Source: http://dkherald.dankook.ac.kr/news/photo/201610/11803_429_5532.jpg

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Coin (v.) ~ invent or devise (a new word or phrase)
2. Denote (v.) ~ be a sign of indicate
3. Install (v.) ~ place or fix (equipment or machinery) in position ready for use
4. Implement (v.) ~ put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
5. Measure (n.) ~ a plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose
6. Cut down (phrasal verb) ~ a decrease or reduction

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is "smombie"?
2. Do you think that the people in your ｃountry are turning into "smombie"? Discuss your answer.
3. How do you feel about the smartphone addiction which is spreading around the world? Give some suggestions on how to reverse the situation.