Gary on the Street: Distracted Walking features Gary Karton interviewing teens in Washington, D.C. about the dangers of distracted walking. In this survey, half of them admitted to crossing streets while distracted by mobile devices.
Source of video: SafeKids.org
Why Distracted Walking is So Dangerous
When you’re focused on a screen:
- Peripheral vision drops to just 10%
- Headphones and earbuds reduce awareness of traffic sounds
- Gait and walking speed change while texting, increasing fall risk
This leads to:
- Walking into traffic (in front of a moving car)
- Tripping over curbs or debris
- Falling into potholes
- Colliding with signs or poles
The risk of tripping, bumping into objects, or stepping into traffic is much higher when distracted by texting.
Common injuries from distracted walking include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fatalities
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Be safe, alert, and aware of your surroundings when walking and protect yourself with these smart habits.
- Look up, not down, especially when stepping off a curb or in the middle of major intersections or when walking on stairs or escalators.
- Never walk while texting or talking on the phone. If texting or you have to take a call, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
- Do not walk with headphones on. If you do, maintain a volume where you can hear the sounds of traffic and your surroundings.
- Don’t jaywalk. Cross streets at a traffic light or crosswalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
- Always walk on the sidewalk when available. If there is no sidewalk, be sure to face oncoming traffic.
- Always observe traffic signals; wait until it is your time to walk.
- A good practice before crossing the street is to look left, right, then left again.
Moment of Silence when you cross the street: Devices Down and Head’s Up
Resources for families
- A Kid’s Guide to Safe Walking, NHTSA
- Tips for Preteens and Teens: Prevent Pedestrian Crashes, NHTSA
- Pedestrian Safety Workshop: A Focus on Older Adults, NHTSA
- NHTSA Distracted Walking Resource page
- Distracted Walking Incidents: Safety and Statistics
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published October 18, 2018. It was reviewed on October 6, 2022, and again on July 22, 2025, updated for content and accuracy, and republished.
Photo Credits:
- itsajoop(Jozef J.G. Kleuskens) Image file – via depositphoto.com
- milangucci(Milan Gucic) Image file – ia depositphoto.com