Ella T : P.

FSA Writing Homework #1

In 2012, over 78,000 pedestrians who had been walking while using their handheld
device had been injured. 4,700 of those injuries resulted in death. Today, many people who are
walking throughout many cities are choosing to walk while using their portable devices. In some
states, many of those people received a fine or ticket for being a distracted walker. Another
problem that goes hand in hand with looking down at your devices is text neck. Text neck
causes spinal cord and neck problems. As the use of technology is increasing, many young
people are suffering injuries related to their handheld devices.
With our busy lives, many people are choosing to walk while texting or emailing even
though they know its dangerous. (source 1, paragraph 16) Some distracted walkers accidentally
stroll into traffic, crash into trees and other people, or fall off curbs and bridges. (source 1,
paragraph 1) Now almost 1 in 10 walking injuries is from distracted walking. (source 1,
paragraph 17) Most states are trying to do something to prevent people from texting and walking
or getting injured while texting and walking. In Philadelphia, there are e-lanes on sidewalks
reserved for those staring at a device. In New York City, they lowered the speed limits to 20 mph
in Central Park and 25 mph in the rest of the city so there is a smaller chance of a pedestrian
getting hit. Utah and New Jersey give walkers a ticket if they are caught texting and walking to
reduce distracted walker injuries. Weve got to encourage people to have awareness that this
problem is a real problem, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said last year.
(source 1, paragraphs 11, 12, and 9) Due to distracted walking and other problems relating to
staring at a device, injuries relating to electronics are expected to keep rising.
Many people who are staring at their phones arent just getting injuries from distracted
walking. People are now getting diagnosed with text neck, an injury that comes from people
holding their neck in an abnormal position for a long period of time. (source 2, paragraph 22 and
23) Because of the use for handheld devices throughout humans is great, the numbers of those
who are diagnosed are expected to rocket in the coming years. (source 2 paragraph 27) Overuse
of electronics is contributing highly to the number of injuries relating to portable devices. But
text neck can be avoided, according to Dr. Cornett. Two simple ways to avoid neck and spinal
injuries is simply to modify the devices angle or hold it at a neutral eye level. (source 2,
paragraph 28) Since so many people are using their devices so often, injuries concerning it are
becoming more and more apparent.
Because of so many injuries related to electronic devices, they are clearly harmful to our
society. For years to come, these problems will become extremely clear through our next
generation unless we do something to prevent or solve the deteriorating effects of electronic
devices. Although using our devices are extremely important for work, school, and
entertainment, we must use them in moderation.