Distracted driving an increasing problem for bicyclists, pedestrians

Distracted driving is an increasing problem for bicyclists and pedestrians, according to this Medline Plus article: 

American pedestrians and bicyclists are being killed by distracted drivers in increasing numbers, a new study finds.

Pedestrian deaths caused by distracted driving -- perhaps talking on cell phones, using a GPS or eating at the wheel -- jumped nearly 50 percent in a recent five-year period, reaching 500 in 2010.

The number of bicyclists killed by distracted drivers increased 30 percent, from 56 in 2005 to 73 in 2010, according to the study, which was published in the November-December issue of the journal Public Health Reports.

"We're constantly exposed to distracted drivers," study author Fernando Wilson, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said in a university news release.

"I don't think there's a day that I don't see someone driving and using their cell phone. A lot of times they're texting," he said. "It's something that's pervasive in society. That's one of the reasons it's so difficult to deal with."

Improving safety for all road users is one of the primary focus areas of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri.  We have supported legislation to reduce distracted driving in Jefferson City, including a bills to specifically ban distracted driving, as well as bans on cell phone use while driving.  Your membership and support helps us turn our vision and legislative platform into reality.