Many cities and countries have banned texting while driving, but comparatively little’s been done about texting and strolling — and the very real risk of stumbling into oncoming traffic. Padova, however, is rolling out an experiment designed to educate phone-glued pedestrians. 

Under the guidance of local company La Semaforica, the city recently installed a brand-new anti-smartphone warning system at a particularly busy local crosswalk in the Prato della Valle area, alerting distracted walkers of oncoming traffic. It’s reportedly the first of its kind in the world.