Honolulu just banned the use of cell phones in intersections — here's how cities around the world are battling the 'distracted walking' epidemic

texting walking prank

On Wednesday, Honolulu became the first major city to ban the use of cell phones in intersections. Pedestrians who text or check their phones while crossing the streets in the Hawaiian capital will now get a $35 fine. A second offense is a $75 ticket, and $99 for a third.

Mayor Kirk Caldwall cited the city's unusually high rate of pedestrian deaths among senior citizens as the reason for the law, according to Reuters.

Honolulu's move follows other recent efforts from cities around the world to curb distracted walking. In the US, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic has been rising since 2006, with an 11% spike in 2016. Other researchers say phones account for 10% of pedestrian injuries, and a half-dozen deaths a year. A 2013 study revealed that over 1,500 pedestrians landed in emergency rooms in 2010 because of accidents sustained while texting and walking at the same time — up nearly 500% since 2005.

Several cities, some with limited success, have come up ideas to tackle the issue. Check them out below.

Stockholm, Sweden — signs that warn drivers of texting pedestrians

Swedish designers Jacob Sempler and Emil Tiismann created these traffic signs for Stockholm in November 2015.

"One morning when I walked to work, I almost got run over by a car, because I was staring at my stupid smartphone," 29-year-old Sempler previously told Business Insider. "I looked around and realized that I wasn't the only one."

They were installed in three different locations.

"The thing is though, that the people who really need to see this sign, are most likely just gonna pass it with their eyes glued to their screens," he said.

Hayward, California — signs that tell pedestrians to put down their phones

The city of Hayward, California installed seven snarky signs in early 2015, including one that reads, "Heads up! Cross the street, then update Facebook."

Another sign in the series reminded drivers to slow down, reading "35 mph — it's a speed limit, not a suggestion."