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A new study shows injuries caused by distracted walking is nothing new

Although the recent popularity of PokemonGo may have increased the number of people using cells phone while walking, a National Safety Council report shows that distracted walking is nothing new.  

Its annual Injury Facts report included injuries caused by distracted walking for the first time in 2015, showing that between 2000 and 2011, there were an estimated 11,000 injuries related to distracted walking using cell phones. 

Beverly Reicks, President and CEO of the National Safety Council-Nebraska says that although distractions are blamed for nearly 30% of all motor vehicle accidents, when they involve a pedestrian or a cyclist, it’s not always the driver who is distracted.

“Walking and texting is becoming a pretty significant safety concern. So if people are using their cellphones as they are walking and they are not looking up as they come to an intersection or they are about to cross the street, they could be in there middle of traffic before they realize where they are. You don't see many people who truly are cycling and texting –I've seen it, but it’s been a really rare occurrence, but certainly you see pedestrians who are walking and on the phone or texting. "

The National Safety Council reports that motor vehicle accidents are up overall in the past couple of years – calling the 8% increase from 2014 to 2015, the largest year-over-year rise in 50 years. 

It cites an improving economy, lower unemployment and lower gas rates as contributing factors.

For more information on safe driving - walking – and cycling, the website is safenebraska.org