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The Dangers of Texting While Walking

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Everyone knows about the hazards of texting while driving, but now it seems that pedestrians who text may be just as dangerous.

According to results from a recent study, texting while walking causes a significant distraction, and could potentially put pedestrians in great jeopardy. Researchers at the University of Queensland evaluated twenty-six smartphone users who had owned their smartphones for at least three months and were regular users.

A three-dimensional movement system consisting of eight cameras set in specific locations monitored every motion from head angle to body position. Test subjects were then asked to perform a series of tasks which included, walking in a straight line, attempting to walk a straight line while reading a text, and attempting to walk a straight line while texting. After reviewing the footage on the cameras, researchers came to some interesting conclusions:

• Reading or sending a text message caused the participants to walk at a slower pace • Reading or sending a text message altered the participants’ balance due to reduced head movement and arm swing • Reading or sending a text message prohibited the participants from walking in a straight line

Even though it can sometimes be amusing to witness a walking texter stumble around, experts agree that it is a very dangerous endeavor. When a pedestrian is not focused on the task at hand, they could easily walk into objects or other people, fall down stairs, or wander into the path of oncoming traffic.

In the United State, the number of pedestrians injured while using their cell phones has steadily increased since 2006. As a matter of fact, one recent Ohio State University study found that 1,500 pedestrians were sent to emergency rooms across the United States to receive treatment for smartphone-related injuries in 2010, almost doubling since 2005. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that texting distractions were a possible contributing factor in the 4,280 pedestrian fatalities recorded for 2010, a four percent increase over the previous year.

The issue has become such a problem, that, according to Time.com, lawmakers in at least five states have attempted to pass laws that address distracted walking.

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Dangers of Texting and Driving

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Everyone is aware of the dangers of texting and driving, but for some reason, many drivers continue to do it. Your phone alerts you to a new message, and you instinctively look to see what it is. Regardless of how important you think that message might be, it is much more important to keep your eyes on the road. The few seconds you look away from the road to respond to that message could change someone’s life forever.

Celebrities and politicians, alike, have launched campaigns in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. More states have begun adopting anti-texting laws as statistics continue to emphasize the perils of texting while driving. Currently, thirty-nine states have adopted ‘no texting and driving’ policies, and state lawmakers in California, as well as ten others, have taken those policies to the next level by banning hand-held phones, requiring drivers to keep their hands free for driving.

Texting and Driving Statistics There are many alarming statistics on texting and driving. Here are just a few:

• Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in an accident as those who don’t • In 2011, 23% of auto accidents involved a driver using a cell phone • Half of children ages 12-17 say they have been a passenger in a car where the driver was texting • One-third of teen drivers ages 16-17 report that they text and drive and 27% of adults admit to texting while driving • Fifteen percent of teens say they have seen their parents text while driving • Seventy-seven percent of teens think they can safely text while driving

Remember, no matter how important the message seems it is not worth risking an accident. While driving, keep your phone out of reach to avoid checking the message, and wait until you are stopped safely somewhere to look at your phone. If you have a passenger in the car with you, let them read the message to you, and have them respond. Don’t risk your future on a text message.

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Studies Confirm Texting and Dialing Distracts Drivers

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Many studies over the years have pointed to the potential dangers of using cell phones while driving. Now, a recent study confirms that texting, dialing, or reaching for a cell phone while driving significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.

Researchers installed video cameras, GPS devices, lane trackers, and tools to measure speed and acceleration, among other sensors, in vehicles and studied newly licensed drivers as well as those with twenty years of driving experience.

The study showed that among young drivers, the risk of crash or near-miss was 7x greater if drivers were dialing or reaching for a cell phone, and 4x greater if they were sending or receiving a text message.

However, young drivers need not bear all the blame for distracted driving. A recent AAA report has found that significant numbers of drivers across all age groups reported using cell phones, including texting, while behind the wheel. Even worse offenders than teens, were the adults aged 25-39.

The AAA study revealed that 82 percent of drivers aged 25-39 use their cell phone on some level while driving, and 43 percent confessed to doing so on a fairly regular basis. Seventy-two percent of people aged 19-24 admitted to using a cell phone while driving, and 27 percent of those said they do so regularly. Significantly fewer drivers, only 58 percent of people aged 16-18 said they use their cell phone while driving, and only 20 percent on a regular basis.

Adults aged 25-39 were also the worst about texting and emailing while driving. Forty-five percent of drivers in this age group confessed that they had done so recently, 10 percent of them on a regular basis. Only 42 percent of drivers aged 19-24, 11 percent regularly, admitted to texting while driving. Even fewer drivers aged 16-18 said they did- 31 percent recently and 7 percent commonly.

Because the survey relied on self-reporting, the numbers may be higher across all age groups. However, the study did make one point clear, drivers in all age groups are aware of the risks, and most believe distracted driving is a bigger problem now than it was three years ago.

Regardless of the drivers’ age, texting while driving is extremely dangerous, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,000 fatal car crashes are caused every year by distracted driving.

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Texting While Driving Increases Risk of Car Accidents

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Texting While Driving - Washington State

In 2011, 1.3 million car accidents were caused by cellphone use. Texting while driving is growing, despite numerous safety ad campaigns and public awareness messages. In fact, 34% of all drivers have admitted to texting while driving and 52% have admitted to talking on the cellphone while driving. What’s even worse, is that a staggering 77% of young adults actually believe that they can safely text and drive.

Texting and driving is a lethal combination. In 2012, an estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes that involved a distracted driver. This was a 9% increase from 2011. Yet even with these statistics, the majority of drivers still routinely use their cellphone while driving. In fact, at any given moment, an estimated 800,000 drivers are using a hand-held cell phone.

While texting and driving is illegal in Washington State, drivers still continue to engage in this risky behavior. When they do, the increase the likelihood of getting into car crashes by 23x. Why? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that a texting driver’s eyes are off the road for at least 5 seconds. That is enough time to travel the full length of a football field when traveling at 55mph.

If you want to prevent catastrophic and deadly car accidents, it is important to put down the cellphone and pay attention to the road ahead. Encourage friends and family members to avoid texting or calling you when they know you are in the car driving. If your cellphone is a distraction, consider placing it in the glove box while driving or turning it off completely.

To find more distracted driving statistics visit:  http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html

Contact Seattle Personal Injury Lawsuit Attorneys

If a texting driver has injured you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney can help. Texting and driving is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in Seattle and throughout the State of Washington. Texting drivers should be held accountable for their negligence and the injuries they have caused.

The Seattle car accident injury attorneys at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7. We offer a free case evaluation and a no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Redmond, South Hill, Bremerton, Shoreline, Woodinville, Lake Stevens, Kent, Federal Way, Olympia, Bellingham, and throughout the State of Washington.

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