Crosswalk warning lights - a stepping stone for smart traffic in Ho Chi Minh City

The appearance of a warning light strip right underfoot helps pedestrians easily recognize signals without having to look up at the lights above.

The LED signal light system is installed under the road - Photo: NGOC KHAI

As reported by Tuoi Tre Online , Ho Chi Minh City has just tested the first pedestrian crossing warning light system in the central area of ​​District 1. This is a new step in the effort to modernize urban traffic infrastructure, helping to increase pedestrian safety - especially in the context of more and more people looking at their phones while crossing the street.

Crosswalk warning lights first appeared

Since early June 2025, at 18 Ton Duc Thang (District 1), the LED lighting system under the sidewalk surface, combined with pedestrian buttons, has been tested by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction. This is the first time the city has applied this technology.

The system allows pedestrians to press a button to request a change in the light beam. When the button is activated, the light cycle operates synchronously between the high-beam lights and the sidewalk lights. First, vehicles are allowed to drive for about 30 seconds (green car lights), while the sidewalk lights indicate red. Next, the car lights change from yellow to red, while the sidewalk and pedestrian lights turn green, signaling a safe time to cross the street.

The appearance of a strip of lights right underfoot helps pedestrians easily recognize signals without having to look up at the lights above, especially useful at night or in bad weather conditions.

Pedestrians can press a button to request a traffic light change - Photo: NGOC KHAI

Solutions suitable for smart urban trends

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Road Traffic Infrastructure Management Center, this is a solution to enhance visual perception and ensure traffic safety for pedestrians when crossing the street at the designated location. At the same time, it helps pedestrians easily recognize the crossing location and the location to stop and wait for traffic lights.

This is also part of the smart traffic modernization roadmap that the city is gradually implementing.

If the test results are positive, the unit will consider expanding the system to other intersections, especially those with high pedestrian traffic.

Previously, Ho Chi Minh City also added devices such as countdown lights on lamp posts and separate right-turn lights at some major intersections to help people easily observe and move safely.

Experience from the world

Not only Ho Chi Minh City, many cities around the world have been applying similar technologies to adapt to today's pedestrian behavior.

In the Netherlands (Bodegraven), the city government installed LED backlight strips along crosswalks, synchronized with traffic lights to attract the gaze of "heads bent over phones".

In South Korea, areas such as Gangnam (Seoul) and Gwangmyung deploy ground-embedded LEDs with integrated radar sensors and cameras, which automatically light up when detecting approaching people or vehicles.

Germany, Australia (Melbourne), Ireland (Dublin), China (Guangzhou, Suzhou), Singapore and the United States have also tested or widely deployed under-surface signal systems or underground flashing lights to warn pedestrians.

The common goal of these solutions is to reduce the risk of accidents when crossing the road in the context of more and more people using mobile phones while moving.

Stepping stone for smart transportation

Pedestrian traffic is more convenient with the sidewalk lighting system - Photo: NGOC KHAI

Ho Chi Minh City’s pioneering experimentation with a sidewalk lighting system shows that the city is approaching the smart traffic trend of advanced cities. This is not only a modern technology but also a humane solution, helping urban traffic become safer and more friendly to all citizens.

If effective, Ho Chi Minh City could become the first locality in Vietnam to replicate this model, contributing to building a modern traffic landscape while raising awareness and safe behavior of pedestrians in increasingly crowded urban environments.

PHAN HAI DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/den-canh-bao-vach-di-bo-buoc-dem-cho-giao-thong-thong-minh-o-tp-hcm-20250620100704579.htm