It wasn’t that long ago that the only thing pedestrians had to worry about while crossing the street was traffic. But now, with people constantly looking down at their phones instead of where they’re going, the number of accidents involving pedestrians has been on the rise. This is especially true in densely populated areas where there are a lot of people on the street at any given time. And not only are they putting themselves at risk, but they’re also putting others in danger as well. The problem has gotten so bad that some cities have even considered banning the use of phones while walking.
However, most people are still unaware of the full extent of the problem. Therefore, in this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common ways that pedestrians get distracted by technology while walking, explain why is it dangerous, and offer some tips on how to stay safe.
Texting and Calling
Texting and calling are two of the most common ways people use their phones while walking. And while it might seem like you’re still paying attention to your surroundings if you’re only looking at your phone for a few seconds at a time, that’s not the case. It can take much longer to process information when you’re reading or writing a text message. And it often takes only a split second for an accident to happen, especially if you’re crossing the street. And if you’re on the phone, you might not be able to hear warnings from others around you.
If you must text or call while walking, be sure to do so in a safe area where you’re not likely to run into traffic or other hazards. Also, try to keep your conversations short so that you’re not as distracted. If you need to discuss important matters, it’s best to stop walking and find a safe place to stand or sit first.
Taking Photos and Videos
With the advent of cameras on phones, it’s now easier than ever to take photos and videos while on the go. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to document your life, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while doing so. Many people have been injured while taking photos or videos while walking. Unfortunately, even if you are standing on a safe sidewalk, you could still be injured in an accident that isn’t your fault.
For example, if a car swerves onto the sidewalk to avoid hitting another car, you could be hit by the car or knocked down by the impact. In this case, make sure to contact a reputable pedestrian accident lawyer, so you know what your options are. And even though it’s not your fault, and it is unlikely that you would be held liable, you are still likely to deal with many difficulties that can be easily bypassed if one is aware of your surroundings.
Checking Social Media
Social media has become such a big part of our lives that it’s hard to resist checking it even when we’re on the go. From funny memes to breaking news, there’s always something new to see. And when we get a notification, it can be hard to resist taking a glance. But while checking your Twitter feed might not seem like a big deal, it can be quite dangerous. It is easy to become so focused on your phone that you fail to notice your surroundings. This can lead to accidents, such as walking into traffic or tripping and falling. And if you’re walking in an unfamiliar area, you could even get lost.
While some people might argue that checking social media is harmless, not only can it be extremely dangerous, but it is completely unnecessary. Nothing on your feed is worth risking your safety for.
Listening to Music or Podcasts
Listening to music or podcasts can be a great way to pass the time while walking. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. If you’re wearing headphones, you might not be able to hear warning sounds from cars or other hazards. This could lead to accidents such as getting hit by a car or walking into oncoming traffic.
It’s best to only listen to music or podcasts at a low volume so that you can still hear what’s going on around you. Or, stick to following a podcast while you are taking public transportation. That way, you can still enjoy your content while commuting without putting yourself in danger.
Playing Games
While this one might seem like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised at how many people try to play games on their phones while walking. And just like with other activities, playing games on your phone can take your attention away from your surroundings. If you’re so focused on the game that you’re not paying attention to where you’re going, you could end up in an accident.
There is no logical reason to play games on your phone while walking. If you want to play games, it’s best to do so at home or in a safe place where you’re not likely to get injured.
Accidents happen when we least expect them, and often they are out of our control. However, by understanding the dangers of distracted walking, we can help to avoid these accidents. And if were unfortunate enough to get injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation too.
