Distracted walking is never a great idea. But in New York City at least, texting while walking only led to 2 out of 534 pedestrian deaths from 2014 through 2017.
According to a report from the New York City Department of Transportation, pedestrians have better things to worry about than occasionally glancing at their phones. Titled "Distraction Shouldn't Be Deadly," the study found that only two fatalities occurred among distracted texters from 2014 through 2017. The total number of pedestrians killed on NYC streets during that time: 534.
"As smartphones rapidly grew in popularity, state lawmakers in 2017 passed a law requiring the DOT to look into 'distracted walking,' Clayton Guse writes. "Though the DOT found the legislature's concern was a non-issue, its report noted that the city is campaigning to encourage young people to be alert as they cross the street."
The biggest traffic threat to pedestrians in NYC is speeding automobiles. From the report: "the best way to address distracted walking, and all forms of distraction, is by creating a road environment focused on speed management — where vehicles are traveling at a safe speed so that crashes can be avoided, and when crashes do occur they are not fatal or severe."
FULL STORY: Texting while walking not much of a danger in NYC, says new city study
NYC Officials Split on Jaywalking Decriminalization
While some council members say the ‘outdated’ practice disproportionately impacts Black and Latino residents, law enforcement officials say its a necessary measure for road safety.
New York’s Deadliest Neighborhoods for Pedestrians
Pedestrian deaths rose last year, but remain below pre-2020 levels.
NYC Legislators Continue Fight to Set Own Speed Limits
Advocates say lower speed limits save lives and prevent fatal crashes on busy city streets.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont