September 27, 2012
A study released by Safe Kids Worldwide found children and teens between the ages of 10 and 19 years old were at the highest risk of being injured in a pedestrian accident. The Philadelphia Inquirer says young people have been involved in an increasing number of Pennsylvania car accidents involving pedestrians because of the use of electronic devices while walking.
Experts say the fact that three quarters of teenagers have cellphones and send, on average, 60 texts a day is the main reason for the increase in distracted walking incidents.
A 13-year-old Haddonfield Middle School student admitted to almost being hit as she walked home from school because she was texting. The 8th grader stated she was preparing to cross Kings Highway near the school and thought the coast was clear as she stepped into the roadway while texting a friend. Luckily, another student pulled her backwards by her backpack and to safety moments before a car whizzed by. On September 12, a 16-year old was seriously injured in Glenside after being struck by a train while he was listening to music.
To battle the problem, Safe Kids has worked to improve dangerous intersections throughout Pennsylvania by adding countdown signs for when lights will change and have redesigned intersections to prevent injuries.
The Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers with Lundy Law would like to applaud Safe Kids for all of their efforts in making roadways a safer place.
