Watch CBS News

Report: 40 Percent Of Teens Hit Or Almost Hit By Traffic While Distracted By Phones

DETROIT (WWJ) - Too many kids are being injured -- and in some cases killed -- because they're distracted by their phones, according to a new survey released Wednesday.

New research found that 40 percent of teenagers say they have been hit or nearly hit by a car, bike or motorcycle while walking. Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide said it's simple: tell your kids to put down the phone while walking, use the cross walks and don't walk while it is dark.

"That can be texting or talking on the phone, or listening to music," Carr said. "They're not looking or they're not listening for traffic signals and that's a bad scenario."

Carr said that too many kids are also not using cross-walks and walking when it is too dark outside.

"Half of the teens that we surveyed said that they were crossing the street while distracted by a mobile device," Carr said. "Put your device down while you're crossing the street, don't be texting while crossing and take you headphones out."

An earlier study by the group found that 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 8 middle schoolers cross the street while distracted by technology. Carr says it is simple: tell your kids to put down the phone while walking, use the cross walks, and don't walk while it is dark.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.