The age of distraction is dangerous. A 2015 report by the National Safety Council showed that walking while texting increases the risk of accidents . More than 11,000 people were injured between 2000 and 2011 while walking and talking on their phones. Even more dangerous is the distracted car driver.
Why should you not text while walking?
It has been proven that distraction from texting while walking can cause pedestrians to cross roads very unsafely . Not only can trips and falls occur, but even getting hit is more than just a possibility. Oftentimes, walking in of street signs, doors, and walls are also just as common.
Why is it best not to be texting when you’re walking on the road?
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.
Is texting while walking illegal?
Texting while walking makes you a slower and more distracted pedestrian, whether you realize it or not. As Business Insider reports, being charged with “distracted walking” in Montclair, California can land you with a three-figure fine. ...
Is it safe to use cellphone while walking?
The solution: Stop using phones while walking , and not just in crosswalks and intersections. Over half of distracted walking injuries occur in our own homes, proving that we need to stay aware of our surroundings whether indoors and out.
How many deaths are caused by texting and walking?
Distracted pedestrians may have been a contributing factor in the 4,200 pedestrian deaths and 70,000 injuries in traffic crashes in 2010, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Why you should stop texting and driving?
Of all the activities associated with distracted driving, sending text messages is the most dangerous . A person is 23 times more likely to have a motor vehicle crash while sending a text message than if they were only driving. That number towers over the other activities associated with distracted driving.
How should we address the dangers of using a phone while walking?
Cell Phones: A Deadly Distraction
Before your children head out, remind them of these year-round safety tips: Never walk while texting 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.
Is it illegal to text while crossing the street?
Pedestrian deaths have risen in the past four years, going from 156 in 2014 to 182 so far this year. While it is illegal to jaywalk, there are no laws preventing people from using their phones while walking on or near roads.
Is it illegal to text and walk in Hawaii?
A new law taking effect today in Honolulu has now made it illegal to text while you are crossing the street . Pedestrians in Hawaii’s state capital who cross a street or highway while using a mobile electronic device can be slammed with a fine of up to $35 for their first offense, according to the law.
Is texting and driving worse than drunk driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving a vehicle while texting is six times more dangerous than intoxicated driving . ... Another study stated that texting drivers react 23 percent slower than intoxicated drivers do.
What are the risks of walking?
- You’re Putting Your Shoulders at Risk of Injury.
- You’re Older, Walking at Night—Or Both.
- You’re Risking Tension in Other Muscle Groups.
- Your Choice of Shoes May Expose You to Injury.
- You’re Exposing Yourself to More Sun Damage.
- You’re Putting Your Lungs at Risk.
What are the dangers of texting?
Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Texting while driving is 6x more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk.
How many deaths are caused by texting and driving in 2020?
Quick Texting and Driving Statistics – 2020 (Editor’s Pick) Driving while texting causes 1.6 million car accidents in the US every year.
What happens when you text while driving?
In New South Wales and Tasmania, the penalties for touching a phone for any reason while on the road are pretty similar; as per the NSW Roads and Maritime Services demerits schedule, you’re risking a $330 fine and four demerit points , while according to the Tasmanian Police, you’re looking at a $300 fine and three ...
Why you shouldnt use your phone while driving?
Using a cell phone while driving increases the driver’s risk of causing a crash . Drivers are distracted, decreasing the driver’s awareness on the road, leading to more car crashes. ... One out of every four automobile crashes in the United States are caused by texting while driving.
