In 2012, thousands of pedestrians were involved in motor vehicle accidents, some of which were fatal. Although motorists are often the cause of these crashes that lead to injuries, pedestrians can also be considered at-fault for these types of accidents.
A new activity is now causing some of these pedestrian accidents. Scientists at Stony Brook University in New York have found that using a cellphone to talk or text while walking can disrupt your gait. The study, published in the journal Gait & Posture, specifically focused on users gaits in situations where they were familiar with the area they were in. The subjects in the texting group veered off course by several feet and walked more slowly. Those who were on the phone could still walk somewhat straight, but still walked slower.
Although the study is preliminary, the repercussions of veering off course can be dangerous. There have already been some incidents reported wherein a distracted pedestrian fell into a fountain or one case where a woman walked off a pier while checking her phone.
In 2012, a study by Pew Research found that 53 percent of adult cellphone owners have been on the giving or receiving end of a distracted walking encounter.
Approximately 51 percent of cellphone users between 18 and 24 have bumped into something or someone while another 36 percent of adults between 25 and 34 have bumped into something or someone.
Distracted walking is already a minor issue in Ohio, in 2012, more than 92 inattentive non-motorists were involved in motor vehicle accidents; three of these accidents were fatal.
Have you or someone you love been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver or pedestrian? Victims of these types of accidents may be entitled to file a claim for damages. A personal injury lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you determine what your legal rights are.