-
If you want breaking news sent to your email just click here.More >> If you want breaking news sent to your email just click here.More >>
SALINAS, Calif. - It can happen to anyone. You're walking down the street looking down at your phone sending a text or email, when all of a sudden you want to cross the street. But, that distraction was enough to land you in the E. R.
You've heard of distracted drivers, but what about distracted walkers. Over 1,500 people were treated in hospital E. R rooms in the U.S. for injuries suffered while walking and using a cell phone. And even though overall traffic deaths were lower in 2010 than the year before, pedestrian fatalities actually rose by 4.2%.
California Highway Patrol couldn't give specific numbers for the Central Coast but said they see it all the time. "We do see them on cell phones and texting, eating, putting on makeup. Things that people would do at home," said CHP Lieutenant Robert Kaczor.
On a ride along with the Lieutenant, Central Coast News saw more than 5 distracted pedestrians in just a matter of 15 minutes. "Pedestrians normally lose when they're involved in a motor vehicle accident," said Kaczor.
