A recent study analyzing data from emergency rooms show that injuries to the face, eyes, nose, ears, and head have risen sharply over the past 20 years.
The reason: driving and walking while using a cell phone!
We are all aware of the consequences that arise from texting and talking on a cellphone while driving. However, the latest study suggests that the majority of injuries due to distracted driving were succumbed by people between the ages of 13 and 29.
The study also noted that cuts on the face and head were the most common – followed by bruising of the brain, abrasions, and internal organ injuries. Luckily, most injuries were treated in the ER, without the need for hospitalization.
However, long-term effects were seen in multiple cases such as scarring and facial lacerations. This also increased the need for scar revisions and other forms of cosmetic surgery – the study states.
Published in the journal JAMA, the study was the first to assess the injuries on the head and neck area, instead of the entire body. The authors of the study also said that the injuries were irregular until 2007 or before the time smartphones were introduced.
The authors also pointed out that many injuries to children 13 and younger were a ‘direct’ injury from the weight of the cellphone as well. They also said that prolonged use of cellphone could dramatically damage the necks and upper backs of young children as it puts extra pressure on their spine.
Fatality linked with cellphone distractions is also increasing day by day. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 2,841 people died as a result of using mobile phones while driving and walking in 2018.
The Governors Highway Safety Association also predicts that the year 2018 saw more than 6,000 pedestrian deaths – the highest number recorded in 20 years.
In today's digital era, it is impossible to restrict the use of mobile phones. However, it is important that we use the device responsibly and avoid calling and texting on the road to stay safe from potential dangers.
Read next: Epileptic Seizure Prediction becomes much easier with the new Artificial Intelligence technology
The reason: driving and walking while using a cell phone!
We are all aware of the consequences that arise from texting and talking on a cellphone while driving. However, the latest study suggests that the majority of injuries due to distracted driving were succumbed by people between the ages of 13 and 29.
The study also noted that cuts on the face and head were the most common – followed by bruising of the brain, abrasions, and internal organ injuries. Luckily, most injuries were treated in the ER, without the need for hospitalization.
However, long-term effects were seen in multiple cases such as scarring and facial lacerations. This also increased the need for scar revisions and other forms of cosmetic surgery – the study states.
Published in the journal JAMA, the study was the first to assess the injuries on the head and neck area, instead of the entire body. The authors of the study also said that the injuries were irregular until 2007 or before the time smartphones were introduced.
The authors also pointed out that many injuries to children 13 and younger were a ‘direct’ injury from the weight of the cellphone as well. They also said that prolonged use of cellphone could dramatically damage the necks and upper backs of young children as it puts extra pressure on their spine.
Fatality linked with cellphone distractions is also increasing day by day. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 2,841 people died as a result of using mobile phones while driving and walking in 2018.
The Governors Highway Safety Association also predicts that the year 2018 saw more than 6,000 pedestrian deaths – the highest number recorded in 20 years.
In today's digital era, it is impossible to restrict the use of mobile phones. However, it is important that we use the device responsibly and avoid calling and texting on the road to stay safe from potential dangers.
Read next: Epileptic Seizure Prediction becomes much easier with the new Artificial Intelligence technology
