We often see distracted pedestrians paying more attention to their phones than where they are walking as they traverse the sidewalk. Many even cross the street without little more than a perfunctory glance from their screens. Not surprisingly, research shows that pedestrians using their phones as they cross the street are at higher risk of being hit by a car.
Studying automated video footage at a busy four way intersection over a two day period, researchers discovered that 38 percent of pedestrians were on their phones, mostly reading and texting as they crossed the street. Researchers note that pedestrians on their phones cross streets at a slower pace than others and often walk in an erratic fashion.
Of course, the longer someone is in the crosswalk, the greater risk of a collision. Walking slowly, along with limits to visual sensory inputs that impairs cognition and balance, puts pedestrians at higher risk of a motor vehicle accident. If a driver happens to be on their phone or otherwise distracted at the same time, it is a recipe for fatalities.
In 2017 alone, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in crashes. The culprit? Undoubtedly, smartphones played a role and will continue to if pedestrians and drivers continue to text instead of giving their full attention when moving from point a to b. As the number of injury accidents increase, drivers and pedestrians alike are well advised to put away their phones to prevent pedestrian fatalities and injuries from occurring – that text can wait.
Quad Cities Car and Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member has been injured in a motor vehicle accident or pedestrian accident, contact the Davenport personal injury lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC. We are not a high volume law firm and, if we do represent you in a personal injury matter, you will not pay any legal fees until you receive compensation for your injuries and losses.