WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research
released by Safe Kids Worldwide, with support from FedEx, reveals
50 percent of teens admit they cross streets while reading a mobile
device, and an alarming 40 percent admit to actually being hit or
nearly hit by a car, bike or motorcycle while walking.
According to the research, distraction plays a role, as half of the
teens surveyed said they cross the street while distracted by a
mobile device.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7604531-safe-kids-worldwide-back-to-school/
"Every hour of every day, a teen is hit or killed while
walking," said Kate Carr, President
and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Texting and walking or driving can
be fatal. That's why we're asking everyone to put phones down when
crossing the street."
Safe Kids created the Moment of Silence campaign in honor of
Christina Morris-Ward, who was
killed while crossing the street, wearing headphones and carrying a
cell phone. Teens and their families are encouraged to join the
Moment of Silence campaign: simply commit to putting devices down
and paying attention when crossing the street. Show support by
signing the pledge today.
Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx recommend the following tips to
keep teens, and all of us, safe while walking.
4 Top Tips for Safe Walking
- Put down phones and headphones when crossing the street.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Be especially alert when it's dark out, and make sure you're
visible to drivers.
- Cross at a traffic signal or crosswalk when possible.
About Safe Kids Worldwide
Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to
prevent childhood injury, the number one cause of death
for children in the United States.
Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury
each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable.
Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400
coalitions in the U.S. and with partners in more than 25 countries
to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and
more. Since 1988, Safe Kids has helped reduce the U.S. childhood
death rate from unintentional injury by 60 percent. Working
together, we can do much more for kids everywhere. Join our effort
at safekids.org.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses
worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and
business services. With annual revenues of $49 billion, the company offers integrated
business applications through operating companies competing
collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx
brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and
trusted employers, FedEx inspires its 340,000 team members to
remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest
ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers
and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/50-percent-of-teens-admit-to-crossing-the-street-while-distracted-by-a-mobile-device-300208636.html
SOURCE Safe Kids Worldwide