Cellphone use may be causing teen pedestrian injuries

Teenage use of electronics has been tied to recent data showing an increase in pedestrian injuries for people aged 16 to 19 years old, according to a recent study.

Over the five-year period between 2006 and 2010, the number of teenagers who were injured in pedestrian accidents rose 25 percent compared with the previous five-year period spanning from 2001 to 2005. The number of injuries involving distracted walking is affecting teens more than any other age group, resulting in a rising number of injuries while all other age groups have seen a decline.

Experts say that the level of electronics use has also gone up during that time, with the average teen sending and receiving about 110 text messages every day.

Pediatrics researchers conducted a study in which they asked kids to talk on their cellphone while navigating an intersection. In the midst of a conversation kids were less aware of the surrounding traffic and left less room between themselves and the next oncoming vehicle, researchers said.

Safety advocates say that the distracted walking is an emerging problem for teenagers. In 2010, fatality rates for teen pedestrians were over three times as high as those for younger children.

Accidents involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle can result in serious injuries or wrongful deaths. In many situations, the injured parties may be eligible for compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance.

More information about car accidents and pedestrian accidents can be found on our New Jersey personal injury law firm’s website.

Source: USA Today, “Report: ‘Distracted walking’ endangers teens” Greg Toppo, Aug. 30, 2012