By now we all know that distracted driving is possibly the biggest hazard we face on the roads today. What many people aren’t thinking about is the danger they place themselves in with distracted walking. We’ve all seen the zombie pedestrians, eyes glued to their phones as they wander straight into traffic without ever noticing. And, you have probably seen the videos of “pedextrians” running into posts and falling in fountains. Maybe you’ve done it yourself. Distracted walking is now a category in the National Safety Council’s annual report on accidental injuries and deaths.
Distracted Walking Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NCSC):
- From 2000 – 2011 there were at least 11,101 distracted walking injuries
- Nearly 80% were the result of falls
- 9% involved a pedestrian striking a motionless object
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) predicts that when the final totals are in, pedestrian deaths in 2015 will have been up by 10% as compared to 2014.
New Jersey Law
In recent years, several states have proposed laws against distracted walking. New Jersey is currently considering a law that would ban texting while walking and require that pedestrian use of cell phones on public roads be hands-free. The proposed penalties are a $50 fine, 15 days in jail, or both.
Those in favor of banning distracted walking say that it not only endangers zombie pedestrians, but creates a hazard for motorists.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver or distracted walker, please talk to one of our experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys today.
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