Padded lampposts for distracted texters being tested in London

by Joshua Topolsky posted Mar 6th 2008 at 5:39AM

According to a recent report, human beings are becoming so incredibly stupid that they require cushioned lamppost bases so that when they run into them they don't mess up their idiotic faces. Apparently, a study in the UK found that one in ten people actually managed to hurt themselves by walking into a post while peering down at their mobile phone screen. The mishaps -- called "walking and texting" injuries -- have spurred the charity Living Streets to launch the padded-post-pilot scheme in Brick Lane, London. It seems that if all goes well, there are plans to roll out the idiot-proof system in Birmingham, Manchester, and Stupidton.

[Image courtesy Yahoo! News]

Filed under: Misc

Tags: lamp posts, LampPosts, london, mobile, padded lampposts, PaddedLampposts, padding, texting, trial, uk

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

dan @ Mar 6th 2008 10:21AM

But are dealing with this sort of thing the current Darwinian pressures? Can't cope? Let the fit survive.

Highly Ranked

Omagus @ Mar 6th 2008 10:21AM

The road to "Idiocracy" begins here.

Highly Ranked

Sam Winter @ Mar 6th 2008 5:22PM

Highest Ranked

H4MM3R @ Mar 6th 2008 10:25AM

Barb-Wire would be better.

Neutral

johnnguyen @ Mar 6th 2008 11:29AM

Goodness- let the idiots have their bruised faces. I think it makes for a great spectator event. What's next- putting up concrete barriers so cars don't run them over if they're too wrapped up to keep from walking into traffic?

Neutral

theregoesdave @ Mar 6th 2008 12:44PM

This is another case of people adapting their surroundings around them rather than evolve. Just watch where you're going!

Neutral

Erik P. Hilderbrand @ Mar 6th 2008 12:04PM

The nanny state that is the UK. Pathetic.

Neutral

Big Ang @ Mar 6th 2008 1:01PM

So, it's a charity that's paying for this, right? Anyone that's made a donation must feel like a complete idiot. And why on earth would the city allow these dumbass padded things to ruin the look of a street? This whole thing sounds more and more like a huge joke.

Neutral

Joe @ Mar 6th 2008 12:56PM

Distracted texters? Don't you mean distracted walkers?

Neutral

wunch @ Mar 6th 2008 3:33PM

It sounds stupid, but I've actually seen people do this.

Neutral

Robert @ Mar 6th 2008 4:02PM

AWWEE, COME ON, lol. Give me a break. I'd rather a "distracted" text'r bruise their face on a pole/wall while walking, rather than drive & text at the same time (which I've seen quite often). It's hilarious to see someone walk into a pole while they're texting. It tragic when major car accidents happen as a direct of some bone head texting. Take the pads and let nature take its course, LOL.

Neutral

Iknow everything @ Mar 6th 2008 4:26PM

What a COMPLETE waste of resources.

Neutral

bear @ Mar 6th 2008 6:14PM

Hey is true somethings happen like that , and i try it before lol!

Neutral

mrpearsoy @ Mar 6th 2008 9:31PM

i think its a crock of caca del toro....aka BS

Neutral

slamEVIL @ Mar 6th 2008 10:22PM

ummmm this isn't real. just a marketing campaign.

Neutral

Miss S @ Mar 7th 2008 10:21AM

Lol!! I'm afraid I have to admit to being one of these idiotic people who has walked into a lamp post whilst texting. I do, however, fully admit that I'm a twat for not looking where I was going....and padding on lamp posts is just ridiculous. Silly people like me shuld stop walking while they text lol!