Walk down any street in New York, and you’ll see people on their phones. Many people are talking, texting, listening to music, and playing video games. While on the phone, people may not be focused on scanning for dangers around them. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness can lead pedestrians to suffer serious injuries.
Recent studies highlight the dangers of using cell phones while walking – even in places that might seem safe. Consider these top reasons why you shouldn’t use your phone while walking.
1. Distracted Walking Can Land You in the Emergency Room
An estimated 1,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries resulting from distracted walking in 2010, according to a 2013 study by researchers at Ohio State University. That’s more than twice as many pedestrian injuries as were recorded in 2005.
Additionally, that number only includes the injuries that led to emergency room visits. The researchers believe the actual number of injuries due to distracted walking is much higher.
2. Younger People are More Likely Than Older People to Be Injured While Walking and Using a Phone
Younger people may be confident that they can use their phones while multi-tasking and carrying on several other activities, but that’s not true when it comes to walking. The Ohio State University study found that people between the ages of 16 and 25 were the most likely to be injured while walking and using a cell phone.
Similarly, a 2012 Pew Research Center survey found that cell phone owners ages 18-24 were more likely than older users to report bumping into things due to distracted walking.
3. Talking Is As Big of a Distraction As Texting
The distractions of texting get a lot of attention, but talking on the phone was actually the distraction that led to 69 percent of the emergency room visits in the Ohio State University study.
While talking on the phone may seem more harmless than texting, it can still be a dangerous distraction for pedestrians.
4. In New York, You’re Not Safe Just Because You’re in a Crosswalk
As a study from the City College of New York notes, pedestrians are not necessarily safer just because they’re in a crosswalk. While some research shows that drivers are more likely to yield to pedestrians inside high-visibility crosswalks in New York City, other research suggests that crosswalks in certain areas make little difference in promoting pedestrian safety.
On wider roads with a significant amount of traffic, researchers have found that pedestrian accidents actually increase where crosswalks are present.
5. Distracted Walking Injuries Aren’t Limited to Crossing the Street
You may think it’s safe to walk and text when you’re not crossing a street, but that’s not the case. The Internet is full of videos of people colliding with objects because they’re too focused on their phones to notice where they’re going. Those collisions can lead to serious injuries.
Stopping in the middle of a sidewalk in New York to text can also be dangerous, as it’s likely that other people will bump into you. Nearly a quarter of the respondents in the Pew Research Center survey said they had bumped into another person or object while using a cell phone. Half of the respondents reported that someone else had bumped into them while distracted by a phone.
If you Were Injured as a Pedestrian, Our Lawyers Can Help
Our attorneys can help if you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian. Even when you understand the reasons why you shouldn’t use your phone while walking, accidents happen. As the National Safety Council (NSC) notes, distracted walking accidents aren’t only the responsibility of pedestrians – drivers must also take safety precautions and be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
Whether you were hit by a car, a bicyclist, a motorized scooter driver, or another negligent party, we can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Our personal lawyers can evaluate the circumstances of your case and help determine who is liable. If you were partially at fault for the accident, we may still be able to seek compensation for you, so don’t let this hold you back from seeking our legal help.
We can help you recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Accidents involving pedestrians can be devastating. You could be facing serious consequences to your health and your life. If someone else’s negligence led to your hardships, we can help.
Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in an accident involving cell phone use or another type of distracted walking, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you choose to work with our team, we can get started with no upfront fees involved. Our personal injury lawyers only receive payment if we win results for you.
Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for a free case review. Reach us today at (516) 358-6900. We can tell you more about how we can help and the next steps entailed in your case.
