WHAT do you think of other people who walk down the road while engaged in a lively phone conversation? Apart from speaking too loudly and leaking information to eavesdroppers, their attention is not focused on potential hazards. Worse is the surprisingly common and dangerous practice of distracted walking, where pedestrians listen to loud music via headphones, while walking along the sidewalk. Similarly, those who walk and text, with attention focussed on the phone and not the road, pose a danger to themselves.
That danger is magnified when we consider the freak accident occurring earlier this week. Unfortunately, a motor vehicle ran off the road and onto the sidewalk, causing injury to pedestrians, after the driver suddenly fell sick. Thankfully, there were few casualties. If the sidewalk had been filled with distracted walkers, there might have been more. Hopefully everyone makes a full recovery.
In the relative safety of our homes, we could be forgiven for overusing the delightful technology available. Videogame designers wish to have us completely immersed in the virtual world, while we enjoy playing their latest high-definition titles. Musicians want their melodies to captivate our senses, and our dancing feet. The movie producers in India (Bollywood), Nigeria (Nollywood), and the United States (Hollywood) also wish to release blockbuster movies to engage and entertain.
Even within our homes, this overuse can have significant impacts, including:
* Videogames
As an undergraduate, I recall many late-night double-tetris tournaments that robbed us, the digital gladiators, of much needed beauty sleep.
* Music
If we continue listening to music at loud volume levels, that may cause long-term hearing damage.
* Movies
Reportedly, the many hours spent watching TV and movies may cause the couch potato to incur health risks, including a reduced life-span!
Computer users should generally take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water. The familiar sight of distracted walking, is a sign that we can become too engrossed. Be safe, and ensure that your surroundings are safe whenever using any gadgets.
To share your views, contact the author at: www.datashore.net or via The Voice.
About the Author
Dr.Lyndell St. Ville is an ICT Consultant, and Chief Technology Officer of Datashore, based in Saint Lucia.
His work includes using systems analysis and design techniques to help use technology safely and efficiently.
I read a book in school in 1972 that was entitled Hartigan On The Moon. It predicted exactly what is presently happening in the world of technology.
It is uncivil to walk and talk, and to walk and text messages. Somebody who does it is desperate for business, a sure sign he is not doing well and sinking.
In many instances I could have been knocked down by pedestrians texting …
Next time somebody texting while walking comes inattentively close to me, I shall slap his smartphone down to the ground.