Calls are growing for more public education and harsh penalties for distracted pedestrians and so-called 'text zombies'.
In an eye-opening case this week, a woman survived falling in front of an oncoming train at a New York City subway station.
Police say witnesses saw her using a mobile phone before the accident happened.
NSW Police issued an urgent reminder last month about pedestrian safety, saying 2,453 people were involved in major accidents on the state's roads last year.
Meanwhile a new study at the University of Queensland has proven that using a mobile phone affects balance, speed and the ability to walk in a straight line.
Harold Scruby from the Pedestrian Council of Australia has welcomed tougher regulation.
"We should be changing the laws and penalties though they are at least $150 per offence and that the offence should be crossing the road without safety, so that it is easily defined and would cover people using a mobile device", he told SBS.
