Week 69

Positive post Sunday, June 10, 2018- Week 69. 

Is the health and safety of your family and friends important to you?  It certainly is to me, so I’ve decided to share a safety message for my Positive Post Sunday this week. (Sorry Sean Comadena, I had to go with health and safety over LeBron James possibly coming to the Lakers!)

Did you know distracted walking (texting, posting, talking on your smart phone) can be as dangerous as distracted driving, especially in busy or congested areas.  Are you only one step away from the emergency room, or God forbid, worse!?  Here is an article titled, “Texting While Walking Is Sending People to the Emergency Room” that provides some context http://fortune.com/2016/02/18/texting-while-walking/.  

Bottom line, injuries from using electronic devises while walking are increasing in both numbers and severity.  This article, additional research, and my own personal observations, have given me a deeper appreciation for the hazards and injuries that can result from using electronic devises while walking.  The obvious solution is to stop using electronic devises while walking!  As Michele Rendler will attest, I’m still working on that, so if you see me (or any of your loved ones) texting, emailing or talking on my smart phone while walking, please remind us that our health and safety are important to you and that we could be only one step away from the emergency room.

Here are some additional tips for safe walking from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Safety Council:

• Never use a cell phone or other electronic device while walking
• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street; looking left a second time is necessary as a car can cover a lot of distance in short time
• Make eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you
• Be aware of drivers even when you’re in a crosswalk; vehicles have blind spots
• Don’t wear headphones while walking
• If your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic
• Never rely on a car to stop
• Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult
• Only cross at designated crosswalks
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing
• Walk in groups