Are Distracted Walking Injuries on the Rise?

Sep 27,2017

In recent years, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents; however, distracted walking is another safety issue that has been gaining attention. Pedestrians distracted by their devices can pose a danger to themselves and to others.

In 2015, the National Safety Council (NSC) added “cell phone distracted walking” as a category of causes of accidental injury or death. According to that data, distracted walking involving cell phones contributed to 11,101 injuries from 2000 to 2011.

Who is Most at Risk for Distracted Walking Injuries?

The NSC study revealed that 68% of people injured in distracted walking incidents were women. And 54% of those injured were ages 40 and under.

Surprisingly, 52% of these injuries actually occur at home. Thus, the data shows that being familiar with a place does not make it safe to walk distracted. Talking on the phone accounted for 62% of the injuries. And the most common injuries were dislocations, fractures, sprains or strains, and concussions. A majority of the injuries resulted from a fall.

“Whether you are walking or driving, it is imperative to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. A quick text or phone call is not worth suffering from an injury,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.