Earphones Connected to More Injuries and Deaths

A report last week, as published on http://www.myfoxdc.com, states that there is an increase in the number of both pedestrians and bicyclists being killed or seriously injured, as a result of wearing earphones.  The article refers a warning issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA), whose officials state that this troubling trend is occurring across the United States:

Local officials are seeing a rise in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists who are being killed or seriously injured while wearing earphones.              

Transportation officials say several people have been killed in the Washington, DC area. Recently, a 51-year-old jogger was killed by a tractor-trailer truck while crossing Constitution Avenue. DC police say the woman was wearing headphones.

AAA officials say across the United States the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths are increasing because people wearing earphones are not aware of their surroundings.

This is a good time to remind everyone of the rules of the road, as cherry blossom season is upon us, and our local traffic significantly increases.  Please remember, regardless of whether you are a pedestrian, bicyclist, or operator of an automobile, be safe and follow all applicable safety and traffic laws.