This is an actual street sign!
In less than a decade, pedestrian injuries have quadrupled. It’s not due to flower pots falling from balconies or rampaging bulls or even careless driving. The number one cause for walking injuries is people texting while on the go.
People are so engrossed in their phones that they don’t take the time to look up and see where they’re walking. People have stumbled onto subway tracks, walked out into the middle of busy roads and walked into everything from walls to trees, hurting themselves and others in the process.
Laws have already been imposed to stop drivers from texting while the car is in motion, but that doesn’t stop pedestrians from Tweeting, texting and updating their Facebook status while crossing the street. Sometimes cars can’t stop fast enough if someone suddenly jumps out in front of them, but putting a ban on walking and texting is rather unrealistic.
To avoid cell phone-related walking mishaps, it’s recommended that you stand to one side if you absolutely must use your phone. Truth be told, your reply can probably wait until you’ve reached your destination. Also, never use your phone while crossing the street even if said street looks empty because you never know when a car might come speeding from around the corner. Keep your eyes ahead of you instead of down on your phone!