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The Dangers of Distracted Walking

Distracted Walking

As cities become more walkable—with new paths, crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures—pedestrian safety remains a concern. Blind intersections, high traffic areas, and even distractions like texting, talking, or scrolling on a phone can be just as dangerous when you are walking as when you are driving. For pedestrians, when your eyes, ears, and attention are elsewhere, it is referred to as ‘distracted walking.’

Let’s walk smarter. Share this information and the Safety Resources below with your family, school, or community group—and help make every step a safe one.

What is Distracted Walking?

Distracted walking, like distracted driving, involves activities that take a person’s attention away from navigating safely. It has gained attention due to the widespread use of mobile devices. Pedestrians are often engaged in conversation with their walking partner or absorbed in their cell phones. Whether texting, browsing, or listening to music, they often lose awareness of their surroundings.

Common distractions include:

  • Talking or texting on the phone
  • Checking email or social media
  • Listening to music or podcasts
  • Playing games
  • Engaging in conversations

Who is At-risk?

Teenagers, particularly those aged 15-19, are one of the groups affected by distracted walking; another is those aged 35- 44; however, no group is immune.

Other notable statistics:

  • Over 8,000 pedestrians were killed on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2022. That’s about one death every 64 minutes.
  • In 2020, over 6,500 pedestrian injuries involved some form of distraction, and in 2019, there were over 11,000 injuries and more than 5,000 deaths reported due to walking while texting.
  • Pedestrians texting are four times more likely to display unsafe walking behavior, increasing the risk of accidents.

Sources: Distracted Walking Statistics. Gitnux. and Pedestrian Safety, CDC

GARY ON THE STREET: DISTRACTED WALKING

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.

keep pedestrians safe hazards for walkers distracted walking walkers pedestrian safetyCommon 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

Source: @safekidsusa

Resources for families

Do You Need Legal Assistance?

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in which they suffered serious injuries due to another’s negligence, contact Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.

One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case.

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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.

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