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In California, it is against the law to drive while talking on your cell phone, unless you are using a hands-free device. In addition, it is against the law to drive while text messaging on your cell phone. Recent studies show that texting while walking can also be dangerous.

A theory of “inattentional blindness” is a term coined by Ira Hyman, a psychology professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. “Inattentional blindness” occurs a person fails to recognize an obvious object when engaged in another activity. Hyman conducted a test where his students observed people walking within the university. These people were grouped by cell phone or MP3 users, people walking alone without any electronic device and people walking and talking in pairs. The study revealed that those with cell phones walked more slowly, weaved, changed directions, and were least likely to acknowledge people around them. At one point during the test, one of Hyman’s students dressed up as a clown and rode a unicycle around university square. Only one-fourth of the cell phone users noticed the clown.

As shown by Hyman’s study, the use of cell phones creates a perilous distraction for pedestrians. The development of ‘latest and greatest’ ‘must have’ electronics has encouraged the use of cell phones to multi-task. Whether checking email, surfing the web, or texting friends about dinner plans, the level of distraction caused by using a mobile phone can result in injury, or even death.

In 2008, a 39 year old woman, while walking and talking on her cell phone, was struck and killed by a train in Alabama. In San Francisco that same year, a young woman using her cell phone was killed when she stepped off of a curb and was hit by a pickup truck.

Although most of the injuries are less severe, a study conducted by Ohio State University revealed that more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms in 2008 because they were injured when they slipped and fell, tripped, or ran into something when using their cell phone. This number is double that of 2007 and is four times the number in 2006.

Crossing the street in Southern California is already a risky venture for any pedestrian. The risk of death or serious bodily injury should not be increased because of a new email alert.

At The Roberts Law firm, our Orange county pedestrian accident attorneys are experienced in dealing with death or serious injury caused by the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been injured because of the wrongful or negligent acts of another, you should contact pedestrian accident attorney Jeff Roberts. Jeff Roberts is dedicated to helping victims receive the fair and adequate compensation they deserve.