Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving

(Story by Ann Marie Keifer)

Have you witnessed someone walking in a crosswalk while texting? Has someone engrossed in his or her phone almost run into you in the hallway? Or, have you seen the video of a person walking into a water fountain in the mall because they were too busy texting? These are examples of why texting and walking are a dangerous combination.

“When texting, you’re not as in control with the complex actions of walking,” said Dr. Dietrich Jehle, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Buffalo in New York, in a press release. “While talking on the phone is a distraction, texting is much more dangerous because you can’t see the path in front of you.”

Healthline.com referenced an Ohio State University study, which found that adults under 30, mainly those between the ages of 16-25, are more at risk for cell phone related injuries while walking.

A separate study found that when people used their cell phones while walking, they were 61 percent more likely to veer off course and 13 percent more likely to overshoot their target than when they were not distracted.

AEP is taking these dangers seriously and have created a couple of visual reminders to help employees to keep their heads up and eyes on the path in front of them.

“While we don’t know of any serious accidents that have happened on-the-job from texting while walking, it is important to educate employees about the risks and have them take the message home to their families, especially their kids,” said Ken Frazier, vice president, Safety and Health. “Our commitment to off-the-job safety also is an important component of Zero Harm.”