We’ve written about the dangers of texting and driving, but what fewer people realize are the serious dangers that texting has to pedestrians, who share the streets and sidewalks with other pedestrians, bicyclists, cars, trucks and other vehicles.
There have been numerous accidents involving pedestrians that are texting, and the most common cause is when they crossing the street outside the crosswalk and without giving traffic their full attention. In fact, if you are a pedestrian that is crossing the street while texting, you are four times more likely to be hit by a car!
Now one local community has decided to take action. Recently, officials in Fort Lee, NJ—who’s town had three fatalities and 23 injuries related to pedestrians texting in a three-month period—implements a no texting while jaywalking policy in an attempt to spread awareness and reduce these types of accidents.
So, if you decide to text while crossing the street in Fort Lee it can cost you an $85 fine. More than 117 tickets have been issued so far, and officers are on the lookout for walkers that are busily typing away on their phones while crossing the street.
Though the no texting while jaywalking policy has so far only been implemented in Fort Lee, it would not surprise us if it spreads to surrounding areas, including New York City and towns on Long Island.
The best way to stay safer and avoid these accidents is to not to text while in the street at all—whether as a pedestrian, bicyclist or driver of a motor vehicle. The roads require your full attention, and just a slight second distraction from your phone can lead to disaster.
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If you have any questions about an accident or injury you or someone in your family suffered, please feel free to contact us. We can discuss your potential case, answer any questions and let you know what to expect from the legal process. Our consultations are completely free and with no obligation.
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