Kid Power! No Texting While Walking

Pedestrian Safety

Everyone knows that texting, playing Angry Birds, or listening to music through headphones while driving is extremely dangerous. You know that, right? RIGHT?? Well, recently, people have been wondering if it's even safe to walk or ride your bike while using distracting gadgets. If it keeps you from paying attention to the traffic, it could be dangerous.

Here are some facts from Grolier Online. Did you know. . .

• The number of traffic deaths involving pedestrians (walking people) increased in 2010.
• According to Hal Pashler, a brain scientist at the University of California, San Diego, even if you try to listen for traffic, loud music through your headphones can still confuse your brain.
• State Senator Carl Kruger of New York is now trying to pass a law that would fine citizens $100 for using electronic devices while crossing the street.
• In California, State Senator Joe Simitian is trying to pass a similar law to ban bicyclists from using tech gadgets.

It's easy to get distracted and forget to look for cars, especially when your song comes on and you start singing it real loud and dancing. (Yeah, you know who you are! I've seen you!) If the driver hears HIS song at that moment while you're crossing the street, and he's singing real loud and not paying attention, and texting his friend too. . . well, the next thing you know, KABLAM!

I am saying this because I love you. I don't want to scare you, but Kid Power means being responsible for yourself and not letting your brains get confused. Now that you know about the dangers, please tell your friends. Make posters and hang them up at school. Don't let anyone you know get distractified by their tech toys! And that includes your parents. You could save a life.

OK. That's all for now. I'm glad we had this little talk.

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Comments

[Comment #1]

Mom never does that anymore.

[Comment #2]

people canget seriosly hurt when they do that they realy shouldnt

[Comment #3]

hey everybody

[Comment #4]

I think this might be really important. Thanks for the tips!

[Comment #5]

So true...

[Comment #6]

I do this everyday, yet I haven't got hurt.

[Comment #7]

I think it is dangerous to walk and text!!!

[Comment #8]

OMG!!!! Okay, so I'm a twilight fan, and I always text and walk and totally call my friends! My parents move a lot, and since right now I'm in the big apple everyday I go to my school, and surf on my phone. I don't see the big problem about texting and talking on your phone while walking. OMG!!! I have a new phone it's so shiny. I also have an IPAD 2!!!! Has anyone seen or read the Twilight series? I have! I'm so in love with it!

[Comment #9]

Walking near busy streets or across the street while texting/surfing the internet seems incredibly dangerous. I do however listen to my ipod all the time, (only one ear in and not very loud) and it actually helps me concentrate on crossing the street because it blocks out all the other sound such as a conversation that's going on across the street...hmm

[Comment #10]

using gadgets while texting CAN be dangerous because you could get hit by a car.

[Comment #11]

i walk and text all the time dont nothing have ever happend to me ahahhaha im luky...

[Comment #12]

I kinda agree, but what if your like running track and have iPod earphones in your ear? Then you may cross the street or something.. You should look both ways before you cross, that's how I was taught :)

[Comment #13]

What about reading and walking home? I do it all the time.

[Comment #14]

I think your right u should always look BOTH ways.I almost triped from texting on my I-POD so now I always STOP when I am texting.