The dangers of distracted walking

There have been countless studies and news reports highlighting the growing dangers of distracted driving. From eating to personal grooming to talking on the phone while behind the wheel, drivers have more activities dividing their attention than ever before. Unfortunately, distractions don’t stop with drivers and more and more pedestrians have been injured due to their lack of attention.

While distracted driving is a universally understood phrase, distracted walking is only now becoming well known. While choosing a healthy mode of transportation, it is not uncommon for walkers to listen to music, listen to a podcast, talk on the phone, browse the web or text their friends to pass the time. Unfortunately, these habits can lead to unsafe walking behaviors such as missing posted safety signs or failing to recognize traffic patterns.

In many of their publications, the National Safety Council (NSC) has adopted the motto “Head Up, Phone Down” to highlight the importance of pedestrian safety. In an effort to prevent all forms of ambulatory accidents, the NSC suggests that using a cell phone while walking is never a good idea – even in your own home. While looking down at a phone screen, it is easy to lose balance, fail to identify obstacles or misjudge walking up or down stairs.

Those at a crosswalk, however, can suffer serious injuries. Watching a phone screen while crossing the road can cause users to step into traffic at the wrong time, to misidentify a car turning right on red, or fail to notice a vehicle not following traffic laws.

With distracted walking incidents on the rise, everyone with a cell phone is at risk. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident or motor vehicle collision, it is wise to seek the legal guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney.