The proliferation of our electronic devices, such as
smartphones, has allowed humankind to keep in touch with a universe of
information at a finger swipe. This has
not only given rise to the problem of distracted driving, but distracted
walking as well.
We have all seen people wandering down a city sidewalk never
taking their eyes off of their screen.
ABC News has reported that this trend has caused an increase in injuries
and even deaths to people that are walking while distracted.
The problem is not simply these distracted walkers walking
into objects or other people while on the sidewalk, but also when they attempt
to cross a street without noticing the color of the traffic signal, resulting
in pedestrians being severely injured or killed by being hit by traffic.The
fatality rate for pedestrians killed while using a handheld device has risen
from 1% in 2004 to 3.5% in 2010. The
number of people injured while walking and using cell phones has doubled since
2005.
State and local governments have become concerned over the
increases in deaths due to distracted walking.
Some have taken action including lowering speed limits for cars in some
urban areas, fining people who are caught while walking distracted, and
initiating awareness campaigns.
People who have caused injuries while walking distracted can
be sued, according to Find Law. People
who walk into traffic while using their phones can be found at fault for the
accident and, at the very least, find their awards reduced by a jury.
Most importantly to remember is, when using the phone while
on a city street, it is best to stop walking and get out of the way of
pedestrian traffic until finished.
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