What causes distracted walking?
It may have been when another pedestrian bumped into you on the street because they were too busy looking at their phone instead of where they were walking. Or perhaps you’ve seen someone nearly walk into traffic because they were on the phone and didn’t observe the pedestrian crossing signals.
How do I stop being distracted when walking?
Three Safety Tips for Pedestrians to Prevent Distracted Walking
- Tip 1: Put Your Phone Down. If you’re walking and using your cell phone, it means you’re not alert and not fully paying attention to your surroundings.
- Tip 2: Turn Your Notifications Off.
- Tip 3: No Headphones.
How many accidents are caused by distracted walking?
According to the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Injury Facts 2015 report, distracted walking caused over 11,000 injuries between 2000 and 2011. Of all the people injured in distracted walking accidents, more than half were age 40 or younger.
Is it safe to use cell phones while walking?
Head Up, Phone Down Distracted walking incidents are on the rise, and everyone with a cell phone is at risk. We are losing focus on our surroundings and putting our safety at risk. The solution: Stop using phones while walking, and not just in crosswalks and intersections.
Are distracted pedestrians a problem?
A survey of transportation system designers in the U.S. found that a startling one-third consider distracted walking a “large problem” and estimate this as being responsible for 40% of pedestrian deaths.
What happens when people are distracted?
The researchers found that in between those bursts of attention, we are actually distracted. During those periods of distraction, the brain pauses and scans the environment to see if there is something outside the primary focus of attention that might be more important.
Why should texting while walking be illegal?
Pedestrians Are At Serious Risk It has been proven that distraction from texting while walking can cause pedestrians to cross roads very unsafely. Not only can trips and falls occur, but even getting hit is more than just a possibility. Oftentimes, walking in of street signs, doors, and walls are also just as common.
Should texting while walking be banned?
Should you be talking on your phone when walking to and from your car?
Just like being on your phone while driving is dangerous, so is being on your phone while walking around outside as a pedestrian. Distractions from your phone can render you completely unaware of your dangerous surroundings. You may not hear a speeding car, train, or sudden traffic jam up ahead.
Where are drivers most likely to encounter distracted pedestrians?
A driver is most likely to encounter distracted pedestrians at playgrounds, school areas, and intersections.
What happens to the brain of someone who is distracted?
During those periods of distraction, the brain pauses and scans the environment to see if there is something outside the primary focus of attention that might be more important. If there is not, it re-focus back to what you were doing.
What happens to your brain when you’re distracted?
For every distraction (phone checking), it can take the brain three to five minutes to get back on track. That’s a lot of time lost from work. Frequent distractions create a physiological hyper-alert state that activates adrenaline and cortisol production, which is a stress indicator.