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Distracted Walking

General Safety | 5-10 min

Summary

Emergency room visits for injuries related to distracted walking have increased over 300% in the past decade, with pedestrians walking into traffic, falling into fountains, and tumbling down stairs while focused on their phones. Studies show that texting while walking reduces your field of vision by up to 90% and slows your walking speed, making you more vulnerable to hazards you would normally avoid.

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Key Points to Cover

  • Looking at phones while walking causes falls and collisions
  • Pedestrians struck by vehicles while distracted
  • Stop walking before checking your phone
  • Be especially careful on stairs and in traffic areas
  • Model safe behavior for coworkers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should this safety talk take?

Plan for about 5-10 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.

Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?

Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.

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