Alaska Cell Phone Distractions

Alaska Cell Phone Distractions – Along with the warm weather summer brings, Alaska also sees an uptick in pedestrian activity as the winter’s inhospitable temperatures no longer banish people to the indoors or the warmth of motor vehicles. However, along with more foot traffic comes the greater likelihood of distracted walking.

Cell Phone Distractions: The Statistics

In fact, studies link Cell Phone Distractions with walking injuries. Just as with distracted driving, the culprit for distracted walking is often cell phone use. When you are using your cell phone, you aren’t paying attention to your surroundings – putting both yourself and others at risk. The most recent statistics show:

• In 2019, an estimated 7,668 pedestrians died in traffic and non-traffic incidents, with 6,205 of those killed in traffic crashes on public roads.
• More than 17% of all traffic deaths were pedestrians.
• 45-74 years old’s have 20% or more pedestrian deaths as a percentage of all traffic fatalities.

Whether walking, cycling, or driving, avoid Alaska Cell Phone Distractions.

The Midnight Sun Festival

The Midnight Sun Festival, Alaska’s largest single-day event, is held annually in Fairbanks. This year it occurs on June 21st. Because thousands of people attend the free 12-hour street fair, 1st and 2nd Avenues are closed to vehicular traffic. Exhibitors offer Alaskan merchandise along with local food and services. There is even live music and gold panning. Unfortunately, it is also a time when pedestrians are so engaged with their surroundings, they are always careful. Increase your awareness and avoid Alaska Cell Phone Distractions while celebrating.

If you plan on attending The Midnight Sun Festival this year, remember:

• Walk on the sidewalk. Some streets remain open to vehicular traffic. Pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Follow the rules of the road. Always follow the rules of the road. Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Use crosswalks. Cross streets at crosswalks. In the situation where no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can view oncoming traffic.
• Don’t drink and walk. Avoid alcohol consumption when walking.
• Heads up, phone down. Avoid cell phone use and wearing headphones while walking.

We can’t say it too often… Whether walking, cycling, or driving, increase your awareness and avoid Alaska Cell Phone Distractions while celebrating.

Part Two of a three-part series. See: Part One: Walk Aware Alaska and Part Three: Heads Up Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: National Safety Council

Image Source: CNN