It's not just calling or texting while driving that causes a lot of road mishaps. The New York Times reports that walking while fiddling with your mobile device may also get you in a lot of trouble.
According to data from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency room injuries caused by walking distractedly have greatly risen from 559 in 2004, to 1,506 to 2010. These findings, which were initially published on the online issue of Accident Analysis & Prevention, further revealed that two-thirds of those who suffered abrasions, fractures, and concussions due to mobile use were individuals under 25 years old.
"I think parents need to teach their children safe texting. Just like they say, 'Look both ways before crossing,' they should say, 'Stop and stand off to the side when you text or talk," says lead author and Ohio State University professor Jack L. Nasar.
In the Philippines, the MMDA told GMA News that there have been 20,149 road accidents recorded in the first quarter of 2012, causing 4,198 injuries and 92 fatalities. Although these shockingly high numbers can be attributed to many reasons, it's wise to lessen the list by focusing on what you're doing and where you're going when you're on the road.
(Photo by Prayitno via Flickr Creative Commons)
