Texting impairs safe walking ability - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Texting impairs safe walking ability

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JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Texting isn't only a hazard while driving. It also impairs your ability to cross the street.

A new study shows people texting while crossing intersections are less likely to look both ways before stepping off the curb.

It also takes them two seconds longer to cross the street, and they are four times more likely to ignore lights.

Talking on a cell phone, and walking with pets or children were also distracting activities.

One in three pedestrians were distracted by a mobile device while crossing the street.

-Study led by researchers at the University of Washington and published online in the journal Injury Prevention.

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