UW study: distracted walking on the rise
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SEATTLE -- Pedestrian deaths are increasing nationwide, and a new study shows why distracted walking may be to blame.
In cities across the country, pedestrians are walking while they talk or text on their phones, and that combination hasn't ended well for many people.
"Oh, they always have their heads down, everyone's always walking around like this, you know?" one local pedestrian said.
From barreling into bears to planting their face in a fountain, distracted walking has led to some precarious positions. Inattentive walking is bad enough on the sidewalk, but what about when those pedestrians head into the streets?
A new University of Washington study found a lot of pedestrians don't stop the talking and texting even when crossing the road. In the recently-released study, UW researchers found only one in four distracted pedestrians follow traffic signals and look both ways before crossing.
"Yeah, I'll have my phone and I'll be texting and walking and I'll look up and be like, oh my god," said Christine White.
The study also found that about 30 percent of pedestrians listened to music, texted or talked while crossing the street. Researches say texting pedestrians were four times more likely to cross against a signal or not look both ways for cars.
Those who listen to music while they walk tend to walk faster, but often don't look for oncoming cars, according to the study.
Researches say to be safe, walkers should put their phones away. They also ask parents to teach their kids when it's safe to use a smart phone and when it's not.
In cities across the country, pedestrians are walking while they talk or text on their phones, and that combination hasn't ended well for many people.
"Oh, they always have their heads down, everyone's always walking around like this, you know?" one local pedestrian said.
From barreling into bears to planting their face in a fountain, distracted walking has led to some precarious positions. Inattentive walking is bad enough on the sidewalk, but what about when those pedestrians head into the streets?
A new University of Washington study found a lot of pedestrians don't stop the talking and texting even when crossing the road. In the recently-released study, UW researchers found only one in four distracted pedestrians follow traffic signals and look both ways before crossing.
"Yeah, I'll have my phone and I'll be texting and walking and I'll look up and be like, oh my god," said Christine White.
The study also found that about 30 percent of pedestrians listened to music, texted or talked while crossing the street. Researches say texting pedestrians were four times more likely to cross against a signal or not look both ways for cars.
Those who listen to music while they walk tend to walk faster, but often don't look for oncoming cars, according to the study.
Researches say to be safe, walkers should put their phones away. They also ask parents to teach their kids when it's safe to use a smart phone and when it's not.
It's a pretty bad sign when people have to be told when and when not to text and/or basically pay attention! It's like they have to enact a law to tell you that texting and driving are dangerous. What, I have to actually pay attention while I maneuver several thousand pounds of plastic and steel? Duh! Articles like this shows that there is definately no shortage of stupid people. I've always said that common sense is not too common.
Just another way for mother nature to weed the herd...
@Windowseat - exactly
One of the funnest things to do is to go to the mall during this crowded time of year and stop in front of texting people. They will usually run into you and often drop their phones. Call me cruel, but it's a hoot!
Sounds like the study also shows stupidity is almost at an all time high. Doesn't even take account the number of idiot drivers that do the same.
It's a problem that solves itself.Â
 @silens ^this^
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""Yeah, I'll have my phone and I'll be texting and walking and I'll look up and be like, oh my god," said Christine White." speaks for itself. Best thing that can happen to the gene pool is to do nothing at all.