A few months back, an article was published on our website entitled, Listen Virginia pedestrians. Headphones can be deadly! It explained a study about the dangers of walking while distracted. This problem is again in the news, as numerous reports show the significant dangers of distracted walking. What is distracting pedestrians? For many, it is the use of electronic devices, including cell phones and MP3 players.
Walking and Using Electronics is Often a Bad Combination
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released some startling data regarding pedestrians using cell phones or other electronic devices. According to the CPSC, approximately 1,152 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms in the United States in 2011 for injuries resulting from walking and using these devices. However, many believe that the number of pedestrian injuries could be even higher, as some people may be reluctant to share the fact that they were on the cell phone or listening to music when the accident happened.
The cases reported to the CPSC include a woman who walked into a telephone pole, a man who fell into a ditch, and a woman who fell off a curb. Just as troubling, if not more, was a boy who was playing a game when he walked into the street and was hit by a pickup truck.
When Someone Else Causes the Pedestrian Accident
While there are certainly measures you can take to keep yourself safe while walking, such as avoiding the use of a cell phone, watching where you are going instead of text messaging, and so on, some accidents are simply hard to prevent. If a driver isn’t paying attention behind the wheel or is driving recklessly, he or she could be held liable if an accident results.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a Virginia pedestrian accident, contact one of our experienced Warrenton injury lawyers today at 540-341-0007. The law firm of Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas will review your situation and provide you with much-needed answers.
