Statistics obtained from emergency rooms indicate that texting while walking accidents are on the rise in Rhode Island and Across the United States. For a decade or more, texting while driving was known to be highly dangerous behavior that could cause accidents with serious injuries and deaths. However, in recent years, texting while walking has proven to be dangerous too.

Texting and walking distraction

Texting while walking can be just as deadly as drunk driving, texting while driving and operating a vehicle while distracted. Some studies show texting while walking pedestrians take on average more than two additional seconds to cross the road at an intersection compared to others not using electronic devices. But what steps can be taken to stop individuals from listening to music on their cell phone, constantly conversing with others on their smart phone, reading text messages and emails or sending text to others while walking?

A Rhode Island car accident lawyer or Providence pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve as a result of a RI pedestrian accident. Make sure you seek out an experienced and qualified Rhode Island personal injury attorney or Providence pedestrian accident lawyer.

Cross streets while texting

In recent years, society has become highly addicted to numerous electronic devices. Enforcing a ban on using cell phones on streets and sidewalks would likely prove fruitless where those that could do themselves and others harm with simply choose to rebel. Some states, including Nevada, have attempted and failed to pass serious laws making it illegal to cross streets while texting.

Hitting a pedestrian

A Serious Problem in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and Across the United States. Each year across the United States, vehicle / pedestrian accidents cause more than 60,000 injuries and 4000 deaths in the U.S. Vehicles traveling at low speed can still cause a significant devastating injury when  that has no type of protection.

Distracted by electronic devices

In addition, pedestrian can suffer injuries from other incidences including slips and falls, and walking into walls, street poles and other stationary objects. Texting and reading while walking affects the individual’s capacity to stay balanced when moving. Pedestrians can haphazardly walk into the road into the pathway of oncoming motor vehicle traffic or step into potholes or off curves causing serious injury.

Walking and texting at the same time impairs the pedestrian in three specific ways including visual distractions, manual distractions and cognitive (intellectual reasoning) distractions. This trifecta of significant impairment creates a serious problem, especially in large communities with busy streets and crowded sidewalks.

Distractions and the Human Brain – distracted texting while walking

With the ability to chew gum and walk at the same time, most of us believe that we can walk and perform other activities simultaneously without any problem at all. However, pedestrians in Rhode Island typically bend their head when concentrating and focusing on their smart phone when walking. By nature, the human brain is not adequately wired to deal with simultaneous distractions with any great ease.

TBI (traumatic brain injury), fractured bones

The temporal and spatial parameter changes caused by visual and mental distractions produce a slow gait and unsure steps while walking. This behavior increases the pedestrian’s chance of being struck by cars, trucks , motorcycles or motor vehicles while in the road which could cause significantly far worse injuries to themselves. These injuries could include TBI (traumatic brain injury), fractured bones, damage to internal organs and other harm when their body strikes the windshield of the vehicle. In addition to suffering their own injuries, pedestrians choosing to text, read email or be distracted while on their electronic devices often harm others.

Swerve away from pedestrians

The natural inclination of drivers to swerve away from pedestrians appearing unexpectedly in the roadway can cause catastrophic consequences. While the life and safety of the pedestrian might be protected in this type of accident, the health of motorists, passengers, bicyclists and others are often not spared.

Traditional cell phones, new smart phone technology end innovative electronic devices have proven to be highly effective at managing our daily lives. However, we often ignore the serious dangers and hazards each one can pose. Redirecting our attention and blinding ourselves to the world around us is a real and measurable phenomenon that can diminish our safety and the safety of others within close proximity.

If you were injured in a car accident, motorcycle crash, automobile (auto) or other motor vehicle wreck then contact a Rhode Island pedestrian accident lawyer or a RI personal injury attorney. If a pedestrian was killed in a fatal car or motor vehicle wreck then the family of the person who died in the crash must seek out RI wrongful death attorneys to pursue wrongful death litigation in Providence Superior Court.

exting while walking can indeed be dangerous and lead to accidents and injuries, especially when pedestrians are not paying proper attention to their surroundings. Here are some of the potential dangers associated with texting while walking:

1. Reduced situational awareness: When people are engrossed in their phones, they are less aware of their surroundings. This can lead to a lack of awareness of oncoming vehicles, obstacles, or even uneven sidewalks, increasing the risk of accidents.
2. Collision with obstacles: Texting pedestrians may not see objects or obstacles in their path, such as lampposts, benches, or open manholes. Collisions with these objects can result in injuries.
3. Tripping and falling: Texting walkers may not notice changes in the terrain, like curbs, steps, or potholes, which can lead to trips and falls. These accidents can result in sprains, fractures, or other injuries.
4. Failure to obey traffic signals: Pedestrians who are distracted by their phones may not pay attention to traffic signals or crosswalk signs, increasing the risk of being struck by vehicles.
5. Vehicle-pedestrian accidents: Texting while walking can put pedestrians in a hazardous position when crossing streets. They may not notice approaching vehicles or drivers who are also distracted, increasing the risk of accidents and serious injuries.
6. Inattentional blindness: Texting pedestrians may suffer from inattentional blindness, which is when they fail to notice unexpected events or changes in their environment. This can make them more vulnerable to accidents.
7. Reduced reaction time: Texting walkers have slower reaction times, making it difficult for them to respond quickly to potential dangers, like a car suddenly approaching them.
8. Peer pressure and social contagion: The normalization of texting while walking can create a social contagion effect where people feel pressured to engage in this behavior, even if they are aware of the risks.

To reduce the dangers of texting while walking, it’s important for pedestrians to stay aware of their surroundings, put away their phones, and focus on their path when walking, especially near roads or in busy urban areas. Additionally, drivers should also exercise caution and be prepared for pedestrians who may be distracted by their phones. Education and public awareness campaigns can help highlight the risks and promote safer walking practices.