The ‘New’ Oblivion

People being oblivious to their surroundings is hardly a new phenomenon, but there seems to be an increase in people wandering around mindlessly. It seems a large number of these people are using cellphones in some capacity—some talking, some texting, some reading, some playing games, some listening to music, and others just doing whatever. This preoccupation with personal electronic devices places people who are walking our streets in danger of serious injury and even death. Studies have shown the number of injuries to pedestrians using their phones has doubled since 2004.¹ In a recent study,² 78% of people surveyed thought walking while being distracted by a cellphone was a problem, but only 29% thought they themselves had a problem with it.  Why would anyone walk down a busy street and not pay attention? The study showed 50% of people felt they were capable of multitasking without any problems or were too busy not to multitask while they walked. Another 48% said they just did it without thinking about it.² People involved in this behavior now have their own nickname: “smombies.”³ Smombies are “smartphone zombies”—“people who walk with their faces down, eyes glued to their smartphones while navigating city streets.” 

Distracted walking or trying to multitask and being oblivious to one’s surroundings are not innocent problems. Data show up to 2 million pedestrian injuries were due to cellphone distraction in 2010, and the number is rising. Up to 3.6% of pedestrians using cellphones were killed in 2010, and up from 1% in 2004.⁴ In a study done in 2014,³ 1286 pedestrians distracted by their cellphones died from their injuries! It has gotten so bad in Germany that small traffic lights are being embedded in the sidewalks so pedestrians who continually look down perhaps can see them.⁵ Unfortunately, many think walking into objects and people, falling off curbs, falling down, getting hit by automobiles, or other misadventures while distracted is funny and not a serious problem. I remember a commercial on television in which a person on a cellphone fell into a water fountain. Everyone thought it was hilarious, but no one stopped to consider the person might be injured. 

I think the numbers noted above should convince everyone this is a serious problem and is getting worse as more and more people become attached to smartphones and feel they must be connected at all times. To me, it is a sad state when one thinks their availability is so critical that a short walk without a smartphone is impossible. I assure you that if you suffer a serious injury while using a cellphone and being oblivious to your surroundings, the first thing the hospital will do is take away your cellphone. You will not be able to be connected to anyone at least until you are removed from the ventilator. Pay attention to your surroundings as you go through life. This is your only chance to see the wonders around you and, perhaps, dodge a smombie! 

Oblivious: not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one; unheeding of, blind to, unsuspecting of, unobservant of