new research finds 40 percent of teens say they’ve been hit or nearly hit while walking

New research released today from Safe Kids Worldwide revealed alarming news: 40 percent of teens have been hit or nearly hit by a car, bike or motorcycle while walking.

The report, “Teens on the Move” made possible with support from FedEx®, explores walking behaviors of 1,040 teens ages 13 to 19.

According to the research, distraction plays a role; half of teens surveyed say they cross the street while distracted by a mobile device. Teens who had been hit or nearly hit more frequently reported crossing in the middle of a block or running across the street. The research includes an examination of fatality data that shows 75 percent of teen pedestrian deaths occur between 7pm and 7am, when it’s dark out.

The study was developed to better understand why teens have the highest pedestrian death rates among children 19 and under. In fact, the death rate for teens ages 13 to 19 is nearly three times that of 5 to 12-year olds. In 2012, 488 children ages 19 and under died after being hit by a car while walking. Of those, 284 were teens ages 13 to 19.

The new report expands on findings from a 2013 Safe Kids report that observed middle school and high school students crossing the street. That study revealed 1 in 5 high schoolers and 1 in 8 middle schoolers cross while distracted by technology.

“We all know that it’s dangerous to text and walk or drive,” said Jessica Saunders, Safe Kids Greater Dayton coordinator and community relations manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “But it’s still a common practice. We need to talk to our teens about the dangers of crossing the street while distracted.”

Safe Kids Greater Dayton and FedEx recommend the following tips to keep teens, and all of us, safe while 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

Moment of Silence Campaign

Fifteen-year-old Christina Morris-Ward was killed while crossing the street. She was wearing headphones and carrying a cell phone. In memory of Christina and all those who have been killed or injured while crossing the street, Safe Kids is continuing the Moment of Silence campaign. It’s easy to participate: simply commit to putting your device down and paying attention when crossing the street. Watch the video and learn more about the Moment of Silence campaign at safekids.org.

About Safe Kids Greater Dayton

Safe Kids Greater Dayton works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Safe Kids Greater Dayton is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Greater Dayton was founded in 1994 and is led by Dayton Children’s Hospital.

For more information, contact: 

Stacy Porter 

Communications specialist 

Phone: 937-641-3666 

porters@childrensdayton.org