Texting was also associated with higher odds that pedestrians would bump into other people or things in their paths or experience near-misses. “Turning on ‘do not disturb’ while walking may allow pedestrians to reflect and be aware of their environment,” Caird said by email. The smaller studies typically included simulations designed to mimic what pedestrians might experience while walking down a sidewalk or crossing a street. “The message for all of us is that we should cross the street undistracted,” Schwebel said by email. “Don’t cross the street while using your smartphone,” Schwebel added.

Source: National Post February 04, 2020 20:37 UTC