A pedestrian is seen walking while on a cell phone.
A picture from April 2012 as the city created an "E-Lane" for walking and texting as an April Fool's joke.
Researchers say nearly 30 percent of people observed crossing 20 busy intersections were distracted by talking or texting on their phones.
Researchers observed more than a thousand people as they crossed the intersections, specifically looking for pedestrians who were distracted by another activity such as talking on the phone or texting.
According to researchers, one in four observed all safety rules, including looking both ways before crossing an intersection.
Distracted pedestrians took nearly a second and a half longer to navigate an intersection, and if they were texting, it took close to two seconds.
The team of researchers notes distracted walking, like distracted driving, puts people at risk.
Their report appears in an online edition of the journal "Injury Prevention."
Pedestrians in Philadelphia may remember an April Fools joke in which the city announced, and created, a walking lane specifically for walking and texting.
You can watch video of the city's joke in the video above this story.
The "E-Lane Initiative" joke even featured a video of Mayor Michael Nutter and Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities Rina Cutler discussing the new lane.
Organizers say they decided to have some fun with that they called a serious issue.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:53:29 GMT
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
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Friday, May 24 2013 12:41 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:41:43 GMT
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
Friday, May 24 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:53:36 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
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The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
A pedestrian is seen walking while on a cell phone.
A picture from April 2012 as the city created an "E-Lane" for walking and texting as an April Fool's joke.
