Is technology the cause of more distracted pedestrians?

Across the nation reports of distracted pedestrian being treated in emergency rooms have nearly quadrupled in the past seven years. You’ve probably seen someone walking down the sidewalk talking on a phone or a hands free device, texting with their heads down, listening to music with headphones in, or playing some video game. Technology is all around us.

An article published on hamptonroads.com states that overall traffic deaths were lower in 2010, however, traffic fatalities rose by 4.2% and injuries rose by 19%. Many cities are asking legislators to impose fines for those using technology at high-risk areas, such as bus stops, crosswalks, train stations, and more. In a University of Maryland study, researchers were able to find 116 cases in which pedestrians were killed or seriously injured while wearing headphones. Two-thirds of the cases involved men over the age of 30.

Psychological studies have found that most people are not able to focus on two things at once. Our attention shifts between our activities when we multitask, affecting our performance in each task we do. An example of this would be a person texting while walking. A study completed by researchers at Stony Brook University in New York found that people who are texting and walking at the same time tend to walk slower, veer off course 61% more, and overshoot their target 13% more often.

As an April Fool’s Day joke, Philadelphia officials tapes off an “e-lane” for distracted technology users on a sidewalk outside a building downtown. To officials’ surprise, many people used the “e-lane”. When the lane was taken down, many were upset, claiming, “It was really helpful to not have people get in their way while they were walking and texting.”

Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by a distracted driver you have legal rights. Our Virginia Pedestrian and Bicycle Attorneys are experienced at helping their clients receive compensation for their injuries caused by a distracted and negligent driver. Contact our offices today for a free no obligation consultation today toll free at 877-544-5323.