Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are more likely than ever to be distracted by smartphones. Here are some tips for staying safe.
These are dangerous times for pedestrians and cyclists. Look at the statistics: Traffic crashes in the United States killed 5,987 pedestrians and 840 bicyclists in 2016, the most in about 25 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Many of those deaths were due to distracted driving. But it’s not just drivers who are preoccupied; pedestrians and cyclists are also more likely than ever to be engrossed in their smartphones and unaware of surrounding traffic.
With these sobering statistics in mind, now is a good time for a fresh look at the consequences of distracted driving, including insurance implications—and for tips on staying safe behind the wheel and on the street.