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Cities can apply for $2 million in federal grants to combat ‘distracted walking,’ which may have contributed to a recent increase in pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Transportation announced steps Monday to combat a recent rise in pedestrian deaths that it said was partially due to what Secretary Anthony Foxx appelé “distracted walking.”

Walking while texting or listening to music, or while on drugs, may have contributed to the increase, Foxx said.

“Distracted driving, distracted walking, if that can be a phrase. … Their behaviors as they are driving or walking can impact our ability to keep people safe,” Foxx said.

After decades of fewer pedestrians being killed in traffic crashes, deaths rose from 4,109 dans 2009 à 4,432 dans 2011, et 69,000 ont été blessés, selon l' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

À New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have the highest percentage of pedestrians killed relative to all traffic deaths. Pedestrians comprise 51% of all motor vehicle deaths in New York, 42% in Los Angeles and 30% à Chicago.

The top 22 cities with deaths far greater than the national average have until Aug. 30 to apply for a total of $2 million in safety grants.

Foxx said the answer was more enforcement and education, like a pedestrian safety campaign.

“Everyone in America is a pedestrian,” Foxx said. “Every pedestrian death is one too many.”

Source: LA Times