Texting injuries prompt padded lampposts

New research suggests that there were 68,000 SMS-related injuries in the UK last year

Brick Lane in London's East End is to become the first street in the UK to have padded lampposts fitted in an effort to stop mobile users banging into them while texting.

Charity organisation Living Streets said that, if the trial is successful, streets including Charing Cross Road, Old Bond Street and Oxford Street will be fitted with the lampposts.

The padding is sponsored by directory enquiries service 118118, which commissioned a study into injuries suffered while texting.

The survey of over 1,000 Britons suggested that one in 10 had suffered an injury from a collision while sending an SMS.

Almost two thirds of those questioned had lost peripheral vision while texting, and over a quarter wanted lines on the pavement to create routes for texters to walk while using their phones.

The research claimed that there were 68,000 SMS-related injuries in the UK last year, ranging from minor bumps to skull fractures.

As part of the deal for providing the padding, 118118 will be allowed to advertise on the lampposts.