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Heads Up Device Distraction May Kill or Maim You
Now that I am walking on average ten kilometres per day I am noticing a massive uptick in people distracted by their devices. I cannot believe how engrossed they are in their devices, checking and even responding to emails, checking social media feeds and reading online news feeds.
When did we become so time-poor to be constantly connected to the office, family or friends by a simple hand-held device as we walk the often crowded and at times dangerous streets?
For those that can recall the time depicted in my article cover image, rarely did we see a person reading a newspaper while walking or driving, yet move forward twenty years and I believe you would not see a city street or a place of interest without someone having their head down in their device.
The term device distraction is a relatively new term that requires some analysis and it has road safety experts working on persuading technology companies to implement blocking technology to prevent devices from being accessed while driving.
Device distraction
Device distraction refers to the tendency for people to become distracted by the use of electronic devices, such as smartphones or laptops while trying to focus on other tasks.
This can include being distracted by notifications, social media, or other apps and features on the device, and can negatively impact productivity and focus.
Walking and device distraction
The dangers of device distraction while walking include the risk of accidents, such as tripping, falling, or walking into obstacles. Additionally, using a device while walking can also increase the risk of collisions with vehicles or other pedestrians, potentially leading to serious injury or death.
Furthermore, device distraction while walking can also contribute to an overall lack of awareness of one’s surroundings, making it more difficult to navigate busy areas, such as city streets, or potentially dangerous areas, such as construction sites.
