Children and Pedestrians On Cell Phones Are More Likely To Be Involved In An Accident - Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer, Jeffrey Reiff, Opines
Not so surprisingly, a team at the University of Alabama in Birmingham reported on Monday, January 26th that children who talk on cell phones while crossing streets are 43% more likely to be hit by a car than when they are not using their phones or their phones are turned off.
According to doctoral student Despina Stavrinos, whose study appeared in the Journal of Pediatrics, “cell phones clearly offer convenience to safeguard families but they may also pose a risk.” Stavrinos stated that children, as well as others who attempt to multi-task while talking on a cell phone, “reduce cognitive capacity to devote to potentially dangerous activities such as crossing streets.” Not only were the children using cell phones distracted, but also the study noted that it took these individuals about 20% longer to begin crossing the street and they were 43% more likely to be hit by a vehicle or have a close call when they are on their phone. Children also forgot to look both ways at about 20% of the crossings while on the phone and they cut it a bit closer giving themselves about 8% less time to cross safely in front of oncoming traffic.
As an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer I have written many articles in the past involving the use of cell phones for talking as well as texting while operating vehicles and have expressed my concern based upon first hand experience in cases that we are handling. Recently, the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff & Bily was retained to represent the interests of an elderly gentleman who was killed while struck by another driver while on a cell phone who evidently was not paying attention.
The Philadelphia catastrophic injury lawyers of the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff & Bily call for more awareness and regulations and oversights by government authorities regarding the usage of cell phones while operating motor vehicles, as well as by pedestrians crossing the street. As incidents of injury become more prevalent with severe consequences, distracted drivers and distracted pedestrians are a major cause of easily preventable car accidents.
As I drive down the highways, I am consistently amazed by how many people are driving their vehicles while having a conversation on a cell phone, as well as how many people are crossing the street not paying attention while on a cell phone. Anyone can recognize that a person with a cell phone or PDA in one hand and driving or crossing the street will not be paying complete attention to their surroundings and will not be in complete control if an emergency situation arises. In fact, one of the first things we do at the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff & Bily is investigate whether or not the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident was operated by a driver who was distracted by using a cell phone, blackberry or other electronic device that could be tied to liability. We all understand the undeniable appeal of electronic devices and cell phones to youthful drivers and pedestrians. However, the experienced lawyers at the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff & Bily recognize that there will always be time for conversation when you are not driving a car or crossing the street.
If you or a loved one was injured as the result of someone not paying complete attention to the rules of the road while talking on a cell phone, you may want to schedule a free consultation with the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at the law firm of Reiff & Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
