Study: Talking while walking can cause injuries among pedestrians

2010-01-19 04:32:20 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Personal Injury)

Pedestrians at risk for injury while talking on the phone.

Legal news for personal injury attorneys. Injuries are on the rise among pedestrians who are talking or texting on their cell phones.

Personal injury lawyers alert- Pedestrians are at risk for injuries when walking and talking on the cell phone at the same time.

West Palm Beach, FL—We all have heard the about the dangers of talking on your cell phone or texting while driving, but a new study brings to light that even walking while on your cell phone can be hazardous. The study, conducted by Ohio State University, revealed that cell phones make pedestrians inattentive, which has led to hundreds of injuries, as reported by The New York Times.

Although injuries among distracted walkers are usually minor, like a broken fingernail, a bump on the knee, or even a case of a bruised ego, the injuries can be serious and are becoming more frequent. Just over 1,000 pedestrians have paid a visit to an emergency room in 2008, because they tripped or ran into something while having a conversation on a cell phone or texting. The NYT reported, “Examples of such visits include a 16-year-old boy who walked into a telephone pole while texting and suffered a concussion; a 28-year-old man who tripped and fractured a finger on the hand gripping his cellphone; and a 68-year-old man who fell off the porch while talking on a cellphone, spraining a thumb and an ankle and causing dizziness.”

The rate of emergency room visits have doubled from 2007, and which is twice the number from 2006. The number of reported incidents are likely even higher because most of the injuries sustained while walking are usually not severe enough to seek treatment at the hospital. The numbers of injuries are also likely to rise even more since new engaging devices like the iPhone have hit the market. The old saying stays true, “watch where your walking.”

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for personal injury lawyers.