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While some council members say the ‘outdated’ practice disproportionately impacts Black and Latino residents, law enforcement officials say its a necessary measure for road safety.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.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service