Pull your head out of your app, or pay the price.

Only in Calgary would this seem a novel concept: rather than laying all the blame for pedestrian collisions on the foolish behaviour of car drivers, actually look at both sides of the bumper to fine the person at fault — or better yet, a solution.

And instead of spending $50k here and $40k there on fancy new warning lights for crosswalks, put the onus on both drivers and pedestrians to stay aware while using Calgary’s streets — even if that means imposing the city’s first fine for distracted walking.

“Reading and texting is a danger while driving, so why is it any different walking?” said Coun. Ward Sutherland.

“Absolutely we should have a law. I’d like to equip the enforcement agencies with the ability to write a ticket if they see a pedestrian focused on their electronics rather than the road.”

Newly appointed to the Calgary Police Commission, Sutherland says he plans to meet with police officials to see what can be done to make distracted walking a finable offence, similar to jaywalking.

That means no more stepping into a crosswalk with eyes glued to a screen, confident that the little white man on the crossing sign makes it safe.

Sutherland’s belief that foot traffic should be paying attention too is a concept that seems to be lost on many other council members lately, as city hall reacts to an increase in pedestrian collisions with a spate of expensive solutions aimed only at motorists.

Last week, a civic committee endorsed a $50,000 pilot plan for fancy embedded lights at two crosswalks, and the month before, city hall approved the installation of rectangular rapid flash beacons at 10 crossings, at a cost of between $20,000 and $40,000 each.

They’re both cheaper than traditional overhead crossing lights — but no matter how flashy or attention-grabbing, the city cannot afford to install warning lights at every crossing in Calgary, nor should it have to.

Calgary recorded 548 pedestrian collisions in 2013, against 537 in 2012 and 511 in 2011. The upward trajectory looks similar for 2014, but what the statistics don’t tell you is why the crashes occurred.

And at least some are the fault of pedestrians.

Other cities, states, provinces and universities have done studies — and what they’ve found is smartphones aren’t just a distraction for drivers.

Pedestrians on smartphones bump into things, trip on obstacles, and step onto the road without ensuring it’s safe to cross.

Some of the research has been pretty funny. A Western Washington University team sent a unicycle riding clown across campus, and the results showed only one in four pedestrians chatting on cell phones noticed the passing Bozo.

But whether the studies are silly or serious, it’s reached a point where many jurisdictions are turning to laws or innovation to shake pedestrians out of their electronic fog, with New Jersey even considering a Distracted Walking Awareness Month to educate people.

Portland, Oregon has been testing audio warnings for those using mobile devices, Delware has signs at crosswalks saying “look up,” while police in Toronto have been handing out leaflets and lectures to walkers they deem a danger to themselves.

And Sutherland certainly isn’t the first politician to suggest laws for pedestrians who are too immersed in technology.

Places as far away as Taiwan are debating small fines for the phone-afflicted, while Utah’s Transit Authority has a $50 fine for anyone crossing rail tracks while using an electronic device.

The point is, most jurisdictions are starting to recognize smartphones are a distraction to both driver and pedestrian — and unlike Calgary, which seems obsessed with blaming only car drivers, most understand pedestrians have to protect themselves too.

Pedestrians using crosswalks have the right of way — but all the self-righteousness in the world isn’t going to help when you step into the path of a turning car, or a motorist blinded by the sun.

Insp. Ken Thrower, Calgary’s top traffic cop, says police take note of distracted pedestrians all the time.

“We’re seeing it a lot — everyone is walking and texting,” said Thrower.

“You’re risking your life as a pedestrian. Chances are, the car driver is going to survive, but a pedestrian is going to be seriously hurt.”

michael.platt@sunmedia.ca