[loceng]

I think that's one of the stupidest additives of constant noise pollution - noise pollution being one reason people zone out and stop paying attention to their environment, rather than people being aware that they're about to step onto a road.

[jakeogh]

As someone who grew up before smartphones, with plenty of noise pollution, I am sure it's not the noise. People cross the street stairing at their hands.

[wiggles_md]

Not everyone can see.

[loceng]

And those people are going to be much less likely to randomly, unexpectedly walk out in front of traffic where it's not a designated crosswalk. I bet their hearing is refined, heightened, to more easily notice quieter electric vehicles as well.