Honolulu just banned the use of cell phones in intersections - here's how cities around the world are battling the 'distracted walking' epidemic

On Wednesday, Honolulu became the first major city to ban the use of cell phones in intersections. Pedestrians who text or check their phones while crossing the streets in the Hawaiian capital will now get a $35 fine. A second offense is a $75 ticket, and $99 for a third.

Mayor Kirk Caldwall cited the city's unusually high rate of pedestrian deaths among senior citizens as the reason for the law, according to Reuters.

Honolulu's move follows other recent efforts from cities around the world to curb distracted walking. In the US, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic has been rising since 2006, with an 11% spike in 2016. Other researchers say phones account for 10% of pedestrian injuries, and a half-dozen deaths a year. A 2013 study revealed that over 1,500 pedestrians landed in emergency rooms in 2010 because of accidents sustained while texting and walking at the same time - up nearly 500% since 2005.

Several cities, some with limited success, have come up ideas to tackle the issue. Check them out below.