Here's America's Take on the Risks of 'Distracted Walking'

Distracted walking, which could involve talking, listening to music or texting on a handset is 'dangerous'. About 78% of US adults believe that distracted walking is a 'serious' issue but only 29% say it's a problem for them, revealed a study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

The association pointed to a 2013 study showing a sharp increase in pedestrian accidents between 2004 and 2010, with mobile phone use a key factor in the rise.

‘American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons releases study on distracted walking perceptions and offers tips for pedestrians to stay injury-free during busy holiday season’

The survey found Americans are confident in their ability to multitask. When asked why they walk distracted, 48% said, "We just don't think about it." 28% feel that they can walk and do other things, and 22% said that they are busy and want to use their time productively.

New York City residents were most likely to view distracted walking as a serious issue (86%). But the city also had the highest number (39%) of people who said they walked and used their phones simultaneously.

Alan Hilibrand, a spokesman for the association, said, "Today, the dangers of the 'digital deadwalker' are growing with more and more pedestrians falling down stairs, tripping over curbs, bumping into other walkers, or stepping into traffic causing a rising number of injuries - from scrapes and bruises to sprains and fractures. Many of us simply need to force ourselves to set down our devices and focus on what's in front of and around us."

The survey conducted by the polling firm Ipsos queried 2,008 US adults October 8-20, 2015, and had a margin or error estimated at 2.5% points.

Source: AFP