American experts are looking at a rising rate of pedestrian deaths in motor accidents and believe it may be related to the increase in use of mobile devices such as iPods, writes Brian Byrne.
The number of pedestrians rose in the first half of 2010, following four years of steady decline.
And although they admit it is only speculation at this point, the Governors Highway Safety Association suggest that the increased use by walkers and joggers of mobile devices while on the roads are part of the problem.
They say drivers need to focus on walking safely, without distractions, just as car drivers have to focus on driving safely.
The number of pedestrian fatalities dropped from almost 5,000 in 2005 to less than 4,100 in 2009, but increased by 0.4 percent in the first six months of 2010.
The number of pedestrians rose in the first half of 2010, following four years of steady decline.
And although they admit it is only speculation at this point, the Governors Highway Safety Association suggest that the increased use by walkers and joggers of mobile devices while on the roads are part of the problem.
They say drivers need to focus on walking safely, without distractions, just as car drivers have to focus on driving safely.
The number of pedestrian fatalities dropped from almost 5,000 in 2005 to less than 4,100 in 2009, but increased by 0.4 percent in the first six months of 2010.
