Remember To Avoid Distracted “Walking” During Distracted Driving Awareness Month

We have been discussing all month long the importance of avoiding distracted driving as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  There are a myriad of issues that can distract you while you’re are driving including things like eating while driving, using your cell phone while driving, and even talking to passengers while behind the wheel.  All of these distractions have been known to lead to auto accidents.  It is important to spend each and every month remembering that these types of distractions are dangerous and can lead to serious, if not fatal, injuries.

The same could be said for walking while distracted which could lead to a New Haven pedestrian accident which can be equally severe as an auto accident and can happen just as quickly as if you were behind the wheel.  If you are not prepared to avoid distractions when you are walking as well there can be devastating impacts on your safety.

As you set out on your journey to walk to work or class or just enjoy a stroll through our beautiful city you will want to keep certain safety tips in mind so you can avoid distractions that could lead to dangerous outcomes.  Whether you’re walking a block or two or a mile or two, these distractions can present problems for you.

1.) Your cell phone.  Just like when driving, using your cell phone when walking should be absolutely avoided.  You should put your phone in your pocket or purse and not look at it until you get to your destination.  If you are relying on your phone for walking directions you can turn the volume up so you can hear the voice directions or stop walking to look down at your phone to get your next direction.  Outside of that your phone should be put away at all times when walking.

2.) Avoid a long gaze at a nearby sign or new shop that has popped up.  We’ve all been walking along and seen something that was not there the last time we went along this same path. A new billboard may have been put up or a new storefront has gone in in a spot you don’t recognize.  You should absolutely check it out, but you should STOP walking before you do.  If you’re eyeing something new you may be distracted from your number one objective and that is to get to your destination safely.

3.) Skip the lengthy and in-depth conversations.  We know that there are a lot of positives to get out and get moving when you want to have a serious conversation with someone, but you should save those long walks for an area where there is low traffic and wide paths.  Getting engrossed in a conversation can cause your mind to wander and get distracted to the point where you may not be able to walk safely.  Keep your conversations when walking through the city on the surface level so you can focus on walking.

It may not be the first thing you think of when you head out on a walk, being distracted and having that lead to a New Haven pedestrian accident.  There are however, many pitfalls and distractions that can lead to injury and they should not be taken lightly.  If you are following the rules of the road and are comfortable with the safety steps you are taking you should be freed up to enjoy your walk without a concern for getting injured.

If you do get injured on your walk through the city or anywhere nearby one of our experienced attorneys can review your case and speak with you about how they can protect your long-term interests.  Contact our office today and we’ll get started on your case.