Is Distracted Walking Just As Dangerous As Distracted Driving?

By now, you’ve probably been bombarded with messages from various non-profit organizations about the dangers of distracted driving. There’s a lot of truth behind these messages-in 2014, Over 430,000
people people were killed in accidents caused by a distracted driver. Everyone can agree that distracted driving is dangerous, but something that is often overlooked is the danger of distracted walking . Is it possible that distracted walking is just as dangerous as distracted driving?

Pedestrians who are distracted by their cell phones, food, a gaming device, or another person who is walking alongside them are at a greater risk of being involved in an accident because they are unaware of their surroundings. It may be funny to see someone run into a light pole, trip over a dog leash, or fall into a water fountain, but these accidents could leave the pedestrian badly injured. distracted walking can often lead to sprains, broken bones, fractures, concussions, and in tragic cases, even death.

Some people who consider themselves to be strong multi-taskers think it’s perfectly acceptable to walk while distracted, but that’s not the case. Researchers have coined the term “inattentive blindness” to describe how our brains can only focus on one task at a time. If you choose to walk while using your cell phone or playing a video game on a handheld device, you are diverting all of your attention to this distraction instead of the road.

How big of an issue is distracted walking? It may not seem like a major problem now, but some cities are beginning to recognize the dangers of this careless behavior. Fort Lee, New Jersey issued ban
on using cell phones while walking back in 2012. People who violate this law will be forced to pay an $85 fine. There are several other cities that have banned distracted walking, but there’s still a long way to go to eliminate this dangerous behavior.

It’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings if you are a pedestrian. Always look both ways before crossing the street, and never assume that a vehicle that appears to be slowing down will come to a complete stop to allow you to cross. Stay on the sidewalk if there is one available so you don’t have to walk close to cars. If you plan on walking at night, wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight with you so other drivers will have no problem seeing you on the road.

Unfortunately, accidents can occur even when you have followed all of these safety tips. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact James Rush right away to discuss your case with one of the most experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in northern California. Don’t put off the call any longer-begin the fight for justice today by contacting James Rush at 415-897-4801 to schedule your free case evaluation.