I'm Sorry

Submitted by dpersky on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:33pm

I spend a lot of my time advocating for policies that restrict drivers from doing dangerous things.

But sometimes it is us, active transportation users, who need to look at our own actions. I have a confession to make. I cannot walk and talk on the cell phone at the same time (but can walk and chew gum). I walk to and from work every day. And I love my smartphone. The temptation is there to always pull out the phone and check the latest game score, text message a friend or check my calendar. But I know it is dangerous to walk and text at the same time. Trust me - I've walked into a lamppost while texting (luckily no injuries).

The New York Times recently published an article documenting that more than 1,000 pedestrians went to an emergency room in 2008 for injuries incurred while walking and texting. Please stop walking and texting.

To find out more about how Active Transportation Alliance is making the roads safer for everyone, visit www.ActiveTrans.org.

Tags:

keep your laws off of me

Submitted by joe m500 (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 3:19pm.

Typing "1,000 pedestrians went to an emergency room in 2008 for injuries incurred while walking and texting. Please stop walking and texting." is the same as typing "more than 700 people died while cycling on the street i 2008. Please stop bicycling in the street".

40,000 people die a year

Submitted by Cezar (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 11:02am.

40,000 people die a year because of cars. 5 million visits to the ER a year because of car accidents. A thousand a year in injuries doesn't hold a candle to that.

Still sound advice.