PROTECTING KIDS IN CONNECTICUT

Cellular phones: Convenient, but dangerous

Cell phones are quickly becoming ubiquitous among American schoolchildren. Marketing research firms estimate that 54% of children ages 8-12 will have cell phones by the end of 2009.  While cell phones have become a convenience for parents and children, this convenience has also created a hazard.  A recent study found that it took children talking on a cell phone 20% longer to begin crossing the street than those not on a cell phone.  In addition, these children were 43% more likely to be hit by, or come close to being hit by a vehicle.  Further, the cell phone using children looked both ways 20% fewer times before crossing the street and gave themselves less time to cross safely in front of oncoming traffic.  Whether operating a vehicle or walking across a street, both driver and pedestrian must remain undistracted in order to ensure everyone's safety.