(HealthDay News) — You’ve probably heard of “distracted driving,” but what about “distracted walking?”
Largely due to the immense popularity of cell phones, pedestrian deaths reached nearly 6,000 in the United States last year, a 9 percent jump over 2015, the National Safety Council says.
Walking remains a great way to get healthy exercise, but you should keep your “head up and phone down” during your stroll, the council urges.
Here are its recommendations:
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
- Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact. Remember that vehicles have blind spots.
- Don’t wear headphones while walking.
- Never use a cell phone or other electronic device while walking.
- Never assume a car will stop for you.
- Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult.
- Cross the street only at a designated crosswalk.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Walk in groups.
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