It’s well known that talking on a mobile phone increases the risks of traffic accidents—even on par with drink driving.
But it now been shown to be a risk for pedestrians as well.
A study from the Ohio State University, published in April, found that phone-related injuries among pedestrians are increasing, especially among males and people aged below 31.
The authors said this was because pedestrians who use mobile phone are more distracted, are less aware of what’s happening around them and more inclined to engage in unsafe behaviour.
‘Using a mobile phone while walking puts pedestrians at risk of accident, injury or death,’ the authors concluded.
(Nasar JL and Troyer, D, Accid Anal Prev 3 Apr, 2013.)
from ‘EMR and Health’ June 2013, vol 9 no 2
About The Author – Lyn McLean is a consumer advocate, author and educator and has been monitoring and writing on the subject of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for over 20 years. She is the director of EMR Australia.
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