Years ago, if you tripped, it triggered the phrase, “I am so clumsy I cannot walk and chew gum at the same time!” Today, “I cannot walk and text” may be more appropriate. According to the National Safety Council, nearly 8,000 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2020. Distracted walking is a significant contributor to these types of accidents.
Many fail to understand how looking at your cell phone can be dangerous when not operating a motor vehicle. Here are a few examples of how texting and walking can cause personal injuries.
Distracted pedestrians do not notice cars
More and more people are having trouble separating themselves from the digital world, even to do something as simple as crossing the street. When your mind and eyes are on your text conversation, you may not see oncoming traffic. Cars can do their best to avoid pedestrians who obey the road rules, but when someone strolls into an intersection while cars have the right of way, they could get hit. These incidents cause significant injuries to pedestrians and could also harm drivers and bystanders.
Cars are not the only danger
You have likely seen internet videos of people sauntering down the sidewalk and falling into open manholes. While this may seem comical to a viewer, mishaps like this cause severe damage. There are plenty of hazards on the sidewalk that can lead to catastrophe:
- Colliding into lampposts
- Tripping over uneven pavement
- Stepping off of a curb
- Bumping into other pedestrians
Sending emojis can wait. No matter how you travel, keep your phone in your pocket to prevent serious injury.
