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Distracted walking has become a significant public safety concern in recent years. The problem has become so noticeable that the National Safety Council recently added distracted walking to its injury categories.
While the law recognizes that pedestrians have the right of way, it is still up to them to do their part and remain alert when walking near traffic.
Pedestrians are particularly at risk when crossing the street at intersections, even if they are in a crosswalk. Walking on the sidewalk can also be hazardous if motorists and pedestrians alike are not aware of their surroundings or are distracted by their phones, companions or passengers, or for any other reason.
Risks Associated with Distracted Walking
Distracted walking increases the risk of a serious injury accident. Being hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle is likely to result in severe and possibly fatal injury for a pedestrian, but vehicles aren’t the only danger.
Distracted pedestrians could also trip and fall or walk into objects they were not aware of.
Ultimately, it is not worth the medical bills, lost time from work and missed wages, and other physical and financial consequences of a distracted walking accident. It’s much wiser to focus on getting to your destination safely. Once you arrive, you can take the time to call, text, use social media, or any other activity that might distract you while walking.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Distracted Walking
There are always risks when walking near traffic, but the risk of an injury accident increases exponentially if you are distracted. Many dangerous accidents can be prevented by following some simple walking safety tips:
- Put away your cell phone and other distracting technology.
- Avoid all other distracting activities while walking.
- Focus exclusively on getting to where you need to go.
- Pay attention to cars, your surroundings, and the path in front of you.
- Cross the road at identified crosswalks or signaled intersections.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Obey traffic signals and check whether drivers obey them.
- Make eye contact with the drivers of cars around you.
Young people under the age of 25 are more likely to be distracted by technology while walking. If it is absolutely necessary to use your smartphone, the following tips could help reduce texting while walking deaths and injuries:
- Use voice-activated apps.
- Hold the device at eye-level.
- Take frequent breaks to look away from the device.
- Keep the volume low on your device.
Texting while walking ordinances have been implemented in several cities around the country, but not in Texas. So far, no states have adopted these kinds of laws, so it is up to the individual to pay attention while walking and avoid careless drivers.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Texas, contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., for help right away. If you were distracted while walking when your accident occurred, determining liability can be difficult, so you will need a legal professional’s help.
Our experienced attorneys have a 99% rate of success helping those who have been injured and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. Call us or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our team today.
Tim received a business degree in finance from Southern Methodist University and a Juris Doctor (law degree) from South Texas College of Law. Over the last two decades Tim has represented victims of injuries day-in and day-out throughout the state of Texas as well as in numerous other states throughout America. Tim’s mission on every case is always to get the insurance company of the defendant to pay top dollar for his client’s case, which allows his clients to put the maximum amount of money into their pocket.
