Portable devices linked to US pedestrian death spike
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After four years of steady declines, the number of US pedestrians killed by cars rose in the first half of 2010, a study said Thursday, suggesting portable technology could be to blame.
The Governors Highway Safety Association said the 0.4 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities in the first six months of 2010 was "notable" because it followed four years where deaths had fallen by 200 on average each year.
"We are speculating at this point, but one of the reasons may be that pedestrians are using their phones, their iPods while they are walking and jogging," GHSA spokesman Jonathan Adkins told AFP.
The reversal in pedestrian safety could be the result of the recent profusion of iPods, MP3 players and other portable technology, said GHSA chairman Vernon Betkey.
"Anyone who travels in a busy city has seen countless pedestrians engrossed in conversation or listening to music while crossing a busy street," he said.
"Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely - without distractions."
The number of pedestrian fatalities dropped from almost 5,000 in 2005 to less than 4,100 in 2009, official figures showed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments