Seen On

Health: Dangers Of 'Text-Walking'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Over 360 billion text messages are sent every year in the United States. The problem is too many people try to multi-task, like text and drive or walking on a busy street, and doctors are seeing a growing number of injuries.

Text messaging, you see it everywhere. People tapping away on their cell phones. Many people claim they go in to their own world when they are texting.

And critics say that can be dangerous, especially when people are behind the wheel. So far four states, including New Jersey, have banned texting while driving. But now a growing concern is text walking.

"We're actually seeing more injuries texting while walking, jogging, or rollerblading. Most are minor, facial abrasions, lacerations, twisted ankles, but there have actually been people who have died walking in to traffic," said Dr. Gerry Brogan with the American College of Emergency Physicians.

The College is warning that being distracted by text messaging at inappropriate times, like crossing streets, can result in serious injury or death.

"There's clearly a danger when you're doing that. You're losing your visual focus, your concentration, and it's something where it is a real danger," said Dr. Brogan.

Doctors say you shouldn't text while participating in physical activities or driving. And ignore them when you need to concentrate, especially on busy side walks and streets.

"Even once you text somebody, when you get a response, your immediate reflex is to look down and to grab your phone to respond back. And no one would walk down the street with their eyes closed, but essentially when you're texting that's what you're doing," said Dr. Brogan.

Doctors say they're seeing more and more text related injuries in emergency rooms of people walking in to poles or people. There are even reports of people dying because they walked in front of a vehicle while texting.

There's no legislation banning text walking yet, but some states are considering banning the use of wireless devices in the crosswalk.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)