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Distracted Walking a Major Pedestrian Safety Concern

Distracted driving is a well established problem, so much so that bans are in place when it comes to using technology while driving. But, the problem of distracted walking is a relatively new one. Each year, more and more people are injured as a result of texting, talking or listening to music while on their cell phones. While we might laugh at the woman who falls into the fountain while texting, or the man who walks into a wall while texting, the problem of distracted walking is a very real and serious one.

Common risks associated with distracted walking include injuring someone else, trips, sprains, strains, fractures, cuts, bruises, broken bones, concussions, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and death.

Scientists call the phenomenon “inattentive blindness,” saying that the human brain has evolved to only be able to adequately focus attention on one task at a time. So when you’re texting or talking on the phone while trying to walk, you cannot give your full attention to both tasks.

It’s not just texting while walking that’s a problem. Talking, checking email, using social networking apps and even playing games all contribute to the problem of distracted pedestrians.

While you are out walking, keep these safety tips in mind.
• Never walk while texting, checking email, using apps, playing games or talking on the phone
• If texting, move out of the way of others and, stop on the sidewalk
• Never cross the street while using an electronic device
• Do not walk (or, run) with headphones in your ears
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Always walk on the sidewalk
• Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street
• Cross only at crosswalks