During the past few years, texting has only become more and more common. Today, many people would be unable to do their jobs without the ability to text. While it is one thing to text while sitting at a desk, texting while walking is a major issue.
There have already been funny videos published about people texting while walking; however, what might be a source of entertainment for some can actually be a major source of injury. During the past few years, the rate of pedestrian injuries due to texting while walking have ballooned.
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
It is one thing to watch people walk into light poles or fountains while texting but it is something else entirely when it comes to walking out into traffic. Therefore, it is important for everyone to know about some of the most shocking statistics when it comes to injuries due to texting while walking.
According to statistics that have been published by the National Safety Council, the rate of injuries stemming from texting while walking is being included for the first time. This is a new, special category that is warranted due to the rate of injuries. The incidents in this category were found to be around 500 in the year 2000; however, by 2011, this number had ballooned to more than 2000 reported injuries. The vast majority of these injuries resulted in falls of some sort. Some were minor while others were serious.
The reality is that texting while walking can lead to serious injuries. When someone falls while texting, they run the risk of suffering a fracture of the wrist or a serious head injury. If someone walks out into traffic, the injury risk is far more serious. People could suffer rib fractures, femur fracture, hip fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. There are other issues that arise related to texting while walking as well.
The number of pedestrian deaths is on the rise. In 2013, more than 4,000 deaths took place involving pedestrians. Location is the biggest factor that plays a role in pedestrian deaths. Most of these pedestrian deaths have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These are the three largest cities in the world, so it should come as no surprise that they have the highest rate of pedestrian accidents and injuries as well.
When it comes to placing blame for these accidents, it is important for people to note that pedestrians almost always have the right of way. There are very few exceptions. On the other hand, it is important for everyone to pay better attention while on the roads. Cell phones and texting can wait for both drivers and passengers.
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