Texting and Walking, a Dangerous Habit
Texting and walking is a prevalent habit among Gettysburg College students (Photo Sam Hann/The Gettysburgian)
By Angely Arriaza, Contributing Writer
Many people keep their heads down instead of up when crossing the street. According to a Governors Highway Safety Association report, in 2016 about 6,000 pedestrians were injured by texting and walking.
“Yes, I text and walk,” said Amanda Hansen ‘22. “I text and walk because it gives me something to do and most of the time I am having a conversation with someone on my phone and don’t want to talk to others while walking. Thankfully, I have not gotten hurt while texting and walking, but it is something risky to do.”
Judith Williams, Director of Health Services, has noticed how many students are stuck to their phones on campus.
“We are all at risk,” said Williams about the situation.
Texting and walking is as bad as texting and driving, according to Williams, but people are still doing it. With the help of Gettysburg students taking the first step of being aware and knowing the risk, many injuries can be stopped.
Williams shared some tips from the National Safety Council:
- Make eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles so that you are sure they see you.
- Pay attention to drivers even when you are in a crosswalk because vehicles have blind spots.
- Look left, right, and left a second time before crossing the street.
