Distracted Driving and its Impact on Pedestrian Safety

Distracted driving has long been an issue for pedestrians who are at risk when a driver takes their eyes off the road for even a second. With more people using smartphones and navigation systems, the risks to pedestrians are higher than ever. Fortunately, this is one problem that is easily solvable by helping drivers understand the serious risks they take every time they glance at a screen or hold a conversation. Exploring how distracted driving impacts pedestrian safety gives you a good starting point for doing your part to stay safe on public roads. 

Understanding the Different Types of Distracted Driving

Using a smartphone is one of the primary sources of distracted driving. You could also be doing things that put you and others at risk. For instance, grabbing a quick breakfast to eat as you drive keeps you from having your full attention on the road. You’ll also want to be wary of switching songs on your playlist, addressing children’s behavior and grooming in the rearview mirror as you drive. Basically, any activity or conversation that stops you from being able to focus is a source of distracted driving that you need to avoid.

Decreased Reaction Times

When a driver encounters a pedestrian in their vehicle’s path, time is of the essence for taking corrective actions to prevent an accident. In a recent study, it was found that phone call distractions can reduce reaction times by 12%. Even when a driver is watching the road, being distracted by a conversation could create a lapse in how long it takes to process what they see. When every second counts, even a brief slowdown in reaction times could be lethal for a pedestrian.

Missed Opportunities to Spot a Pedestrian

Ideally, drivers should see pedestrians long before they need to take any action. Seeing someone about to cross the road with their dog is a sign that you need to approach the area cautiously. While drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, you might not know to do so if you are too distracted to see someone standing on the corner. This is especially a concern at crosswalks that lack lights and other warning signals. Distracted driving has a substantial impact on lowering pedestrian safety since you could be looking at a screen or other object at the exact moment that a pedestrian is in your path.

Increased Risk of Severe Injuries

Naturally, being unable to react to a pedestrian’s location in your path can lead to a collision. Pedestrian-vehicle collisions are especially severe due to a person’s lack of protective gear, often resulting in devastating injuries and death. In fact, just the city of Fremont, California saw 39 pedestrian accidentsresulting in 5 deaths in 2022. While a driver might easily walk away from this type of accident due to seatbelts and airbags, pedestrians lack any type of protection. In a worst-case scenario, this type of accident can be lethal for pedestrians. Even in a minor accident at slow speeds, pedestrians can sustain broken limbs, severe lacerations and traumatic brain injuries. Considering the potential for harm, answering a phone call or finding a new song is simply not worth the risks for everyone involved.

Take Action to Prevent Serious Pedestrian Accidents

As a driver, you can minimize distractions in your vehicle by storing your phone out of arm’s reach and pulling over to handle important phone calls or check for directions to your destination. Pedestrians can make eye contact with drivers before crossing an intersection, and everyone should make sure to use crosswalks whenever possible. Both drivers and pedestrians can also brush up on what to do if an accident occurs. Seeking medical attention and legal advice can help all parties avoid the worst outcomes. 

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