Smartphone Use While Walking Linked to Increased Risk of Accidents and Injuries
A stroll down the street is enough to see how our way of walking has changed. We are increasingly a population of hunched and slow people, with our eyes turned downward to read or write on our cell phones. A 2020 study of college students found that a quarter of people crossing intersections were glued to their cell phones. According to experts, people are not fully aware of how distracted they actually are when they walk, leading to an increased risk of suffering injuries.
Researchers have found that electronic devices can cause what they call “cognitive blindness,” where people are unable to fully perceive their surroundings. For example, an experiment from 13 years ago demonstrated that participants who walked and made phone calls at the same time had half the probability of seeing a clown on a scooter compared to those who simply walked. Distraction can be extremely dangerous, especially when walking near traffic.
Video footage of pedestrians has shown that people who walk with their cell phones in their hands are slower and more clumsy, increasing the risk of tripping or falling. Additionally, looking at a smartphone while walking can cause stress and interfere with mood, as it disconnects people from the surrounding environment.
These behaviors have led to an increase in injuries due to distracted smartphone use while walking. Data from US emergency room visits between 2011 and 2019 showed that almost 30,000 injuries occurred while walking with a cell phone, with the highest percentage affecting young people aged between 11 and 20 years. To counter this trend, municipal administrations around the world are implementing strategies to contain clashes and injuries, such as installing traffic lights that project red light onto the ground to signal danger and creating separate lanes for pedestrians using smartphones compared to those who aren’t.
Looking at a smartphone while walking not only increases the risk of accidents but also causes physical symptoms such as “text neck,” which refers to disorders in the cervical area caused by prolonged use of smartphones and tablets. It can also lead to stress and a reduced sense of well-being.
To avoid accidents and injuries, experts advise against using smartphones while walking, especially when crossing roads, climbing stairs, or walking on uneven paths. By taking the time to stop and use your phone out of the way of other pedestrians, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced. It’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and prioritize safety while walking.