One in five Britons has suffered an injury while simultaneously walking and text messaging in the last year, according to a British study. However, SMS snafus are also popping up stateside on sidewalks and behind the wheel.

Last week, a British information directory launched a pilot project to protect people who were texting while walking by installing bumper guards on lampposts.

The large white bumper guards call attention to the text-and-transportation problem that causes injuries ranging from bruises to broken noses, said Lucy Abell, spokeswoman for Living Streets, a British charity that focuses on reducing traffic and keeping the streets clean and safe.

“There are no plans by local councils to permanently put bumpers on the streets — it was more to highlight the issue,” Abell said.