“Distracted Walking” Seen as Factor in Pedestrian Accidents in the U.S.

Chatting or texting on your cell phone is considered a driving distraction by many traffic safety agencies, particularly the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As it is, doing so while driving a vehicle may increase your chances of getting involved in a road mishap, be it a collision with another vehicle or hitting an unsuspecting pedestrian.

While distracted driving remains to be a key concern in the never-ending issue of road safety in the United States, the level of distress is also similar with that of pedestrians. What this means is that not only are motorists operating vehicles on the road are prone to certain distractions; pedestrians, too, have been found to be getting distracted while walking.

Deriving the definition of distracted driving from Distraction.gov, “distracted walking” is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of walking. Like its counterpart, it involves walking while texting, talking on the phone, listening to music with the use of headphones, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

According to the NHTSA, a total of 4,432 pedestrians died and approximately 69,000 more were injured in 2011. The number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes that year was a 3-percent increase from the previous year (4,302, 2010). One factor as to the increase in pedestrian accidents is the fact that even they are getting distracted due to the use of gadgets such as cell phones.

Vehicle Safety Checklist Before Driving Out This Summer

The summer months, particularly July and August, are said to be the most dangerous times to drive for American motorists. In fact, in the latest statistical data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 3,149 motor vehicle crash deaths occurred in July of 2011. At least 2,982, meanwhile, were killed in August of 2011.

The chances of a fatalcrash increase during these months because more motorists are out on the road driving more miles than any other time of the year. Given that these are summer months, motorists are making the most of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors where they go camping, swimming, fishing, and the like.

While vehicle accidents and subsequent injuries and deaths are usually caused by speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving, there are other reasons why they happen, especially during the summer months. One of them is vehicle failure, which often happens if an important vehicle equipment does not perform well as it should be, leading to consequences that would ultimately lead to a crash.

If you are planning a trip to a summer destination with your family and/or friends, it is important that the vehicle you will be using is optimally capable of withstanding long-hour drives. As such, it would imperative on your part to have your vehicle checked with your licensed mechanic days before your scheduled trip.

Another Pit Bull Attacks

Pit bulls have a reputation of being violent and dangerous. The dogs of this breed got that image because of their tendency to be aggressive. Moreover, being used in dog fights is not helping better the image of pit bulls. What’s worse is that every year, thousands of people get attacked by dogs of this breed. Some receive minor to major injuries while some, unfortunately die. And so something really has to be done in order to tame these dogs and proven them from attacking people.

Deadly aftermath of the attacks

Dog attacks, no matter how small the dog is, are quite dangerous. More than the wounds that one might get, there is also a great chance for the victim to contract rabies because of the attack. Every year, people die because of injuries caused by dog attacks. That is why the government has taken bold steps in trying to prevent incidents of dogs biting and attacking people and made sure that its owners are held accountable for the behavior of their pets.

Recent attacks

While the government efforts are constant, almost every month, new pit bull attacks are recorded by authorities. Just recently in Upland, California, one man and his dog was viciously attacked by a pit bull. The attack was said to have happened in the 1700 block of Partridge Avenue, around night nighttime. Police reports said that a man was walking his Golden Retriever when the pit bull attacked them. While the man sustained minor injuries on his hand, his dog was also said to be hurt after the attack. Authorities reported that the pit bull was taken to animal control and its owner, is going to be charged for vicious dog violation

What should you do if you have been attacked by a pit bull

Protecting yourself is key. First things first, you should protect vital parts of your body like your face and head from the attacking dogs. Secondly, one should try to break away from the dog and do something to send them away. Then, it is best that you seek treatment from a medical practitioner. Finally, seeking the help of a Los Angeles injury lawyer would also be critical. From there, you can file the necessary complaints against the animal attack so you could ask for damages from the dog’s owner to help you recover from your injuries.

While this general conception about dogs is not necessarily accurate, one cannot deny the fact that these animals can really be dangerous. And so, the most important thing that you can do to stay away from them and always try to protect yourself at all times.