A man in Chengdu was struck by a guardrail after a large truck suddenly emerged from overhead while he was looking at his phone. He fell but avoided serious injury due to wearing a helmet. Authorities reminded pedestrians of visibility risks near elevated roadways.

Social Context

China’s 2021 Road Traffic Safety Law amendment explicitly prohibits distracted walking in high-risk zones, and cities like Chengdu enforce fines up to ¥50 for smartphone use on crosswalks. Urban infrastructure expansion—including overpasses and elevated highways—has increased blind-spot hazards, especially for pedestrians focused on mobile devices. Public campaigns such as ‘Head Up, Step Safe’ target youth and elderly alike.

Safety Tip

Scan overhead and peripheral environments before crossing near bridges, tunnels, or elevated roads—even when using designated walkways.