Walk and chew gum? HA! Try it talking on a cell phone!!

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Expand view Topic review: Walk and chew gum? HA! Try it talking on a cell phone!!

Re: Walk and chew gum? HA! Try it talking on a cell phone!!

by MSI » Wed Jan 26, 2011 10:01 am

Jan 26, 2011: NY Times States’ Lawmakers Turn Attention to the Dangers of Distracted Pedestrians
Some additional coverage on the issue...
it starts...
  • Many joggers don earbuds and listen to music to distract themselves from the rigors of running. But might the Black Eyed Peas or Rihanna distract them so much that they jog into traffic?
    • New York: bill pending that would ban the use of mobile phones, iPods or other electronic devices while crossing streets — runners and other exercisers included.
      Oregon: restrict bicyclists from using mobile phones and music players
      Virginia: bill would keep such riders from using a “hand-held communication device.”
      California: bill reintroduced to fine bicyclists $20 for similar multitasking.
See the full article: NY Times States’ Lawmakers Turn Attention to the Dangers of Distracted Pedestrians

Re: Walk and chew gum? HA! Try it talking on a cell phone!!

by MSI » Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:03 pm

Jan 24, 2011: USA Today: States take aim at distracted pedestrians
Lawmakers in at least two states are looking to pull the plug on texting pedestrians and iPod-obsessed runners, claiming their diverted attention borders on disaster
The proposed restrictions come as safety advocates say they're worried about a slight increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities. The Governors Highway Safety Association earlier this month reported that pedestrian fatalities rose slightly in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. If the second half of the year shows no change, the group said, it would mark an end to four years of decreases.
Nationally, pedestrians make up about 12% of traffic fatalities, the group said.
See the full article: States take aim at distracted pedestrians

Re: Walk and chew gum? HA! Try it talking on a cell phone!!

by brian » Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:56 am

July 5, 2010: From the Washington Post Tech firms aim to keep wayward walkers on path which includes "While using a cell phone while driving has triggered the most alarm bells and prompted laws in several states, experts say, pedestrians are also suffering the consequences of mobile distraction - tripping on curbs, walking into traffic, even stepping into manholes as they chat or type while walking."
Companies are stepping in with applications which make smartphone screens transparent to also transforming speech into text and text into speech.
An Ohio State University analysis found that for the past few years, the number of emergency room visits resulting from pedestrian cell phone accidents has doubled year-on-year. The study showed that in 2008, just over 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms for injuries like walking into a pole while texting or spraining an ankle after falling down while talking on a cell phone.

Walk and chew gum? HA! Try it talking on a cell phone!!

by brian » Sun Jan 17, 2010 6:11 pm

Jan 17, 2010: Seems that distracted drivers on cell phones aren't the only problem when using a cell phone.
Seems people are walking into traffic whicle engrossed in a cell phone conversation.
And to think folks think folks actually believe you can safely drive a car while engaged in a cell phone conversation!
See the NY Times article by Matt Richel for some examples of the hazards of simply walking down the street while talking on a cell phone:Forget Gum, Walking and using Phone is Risky
The problems which can occur when someone is walking and talking on a cell phone Illustrate the enhanced problems which can occur when someone is driving and talking on a cell phone, navigating a 5000 lb or so vehicle, travelling 35 to 50 mph or more, multi-tasking to try to pay attention to the conversation while also the changing traffic lights and/or other traffic safety devices. It is an accident waiting to happen and which has happened on many occasions.
Please also see our forum topic concerned with cell phone use while driving 2010: Stop cell phone use and texting while driving!

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