Most everyone is a pedestrian at one point or another. Whether walking through a parking lot or across a street, pedestrians encounter traffic and distracted drivers that increase their chances for Georgia pedestrian injuries. However, drivers aren’t the only ones distracted; pedestrians are distracted by cell phones, too.
There have been many studies over the past two years that have revealed the same facts—pedestrians are more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident if they walk distracted. Distracted walking includes:
- Listening to music
- Texting while walking
- Talking on a cell phone while walking
- Using a cell phone in anyway while walking
- Checking Facebook or email while walking
According to a Liberty Mutual Insurance Pedestrian Safety Survey, 60% of pedestrians surveyed walk while talking on their cell phone, emailing, texting, or listening to music. Liberty Mutual said that it is likely that there is a direct correlation between an increase in pedestrian deaths and distracted pedestrians. The survey also found that drivers also are prioritizing their phones over pedestrian safety.
Both pedestrians and drivers alike have responsibilities to be safe and aware of what is around them; however, technology has made distracted driving and walking a problem.
If you have been injured in a Georgia pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another, you may have legal rights to a financial recovery. Call Shane Smith Law at (770) 487-8999 to learn more in a free consultation with a Peachtree City pedestrian injury lawyer today.