'Distracted Walking' Is Dangerous, But Are You Part Of The Problem?

Distracted driving is dangerous, no doubt, but what about "text-walking"?

The results of a survey involving 6,000 U.S. adults found that about 78 percent of Americans believe that distracted walking is a "serious" issue. However, only 74 percent claimed that "other people" are the ones walking and talking on their cells, while just 29 percent admitted to doing so themselves, according to a news release. 

"Today, the dangers of the 'digital deadwalker' are growing with more and more pedestrians falling down stairs, tripping over curbs, bumping into other walkers, or stepping into traffic causing a rising number of injuries -- from scrapes and bruises to sprains and fractures," said Alan Hilibrand, a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, who released the study. "Many of us simply need to force ourselves to set down our devices and focus on what's in front of and around us."

Previous studies have touched on the potential hazards pertaining to distracted walking. Yet in this study, researchers found that those two text and walk at the same time typically spend two seconds longer at an intersection and are 400 percent more likely to miss looking at stoplights, check traffic and stay in crosswalks.

Furthermore, the study results revalued that New York city residents were most likely (39 percent) to confess to dangerous distracted walking behaviors--even when compared to those in other major cities, including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Phoenix. New Yorkers were also most likely (86 percent) to view distracted walking as a serious issue.

"The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons urges pedestrians to avoid musculoskeletal and other injuries by engaging with their surroundings-drivers, bikers, other walkers and obstacles," said Dr. Hilibrand. "Many of us simply need to force ourselves to set down our devices and focus on what's in front of and around us. This will ensure that we safely arrive at our destination, during this busy holiday season and throughout the year."

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