#tellusatoday: Walkers who text pose hazard

While traffic fatalities are at all-time lows, pedestrian deaths are rising nationwide. We asked our followers on Twitter: Is "distracted walking" a problem? Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Sadly yes. Have seen folks almost get run over, totally oblivious to their surroundings.

— @mpolack

Both pedestrians and drivers are too preoccupied. Fault does not fall on just pedestrians.

— @farahfergie

Yes! Recently, a guy staring at his phone walked out in front of my car. He was oblivious as I stopped inches from him. ... This is a common sense issue, not a legal one.

— @MissingNail

I'm guilty of walking and texting and have had close calls. It's a difficult behavior to change but certainly needs to.

— @RyanNamata

Not only walkers who text or talk on the phone, but also drivers who text or talk on the phone, are a problem.

— @ShiCooks

Yes, pedestrians should watch where they're going. I've even seen people on bikes texting. It's an epidemic!

— @MonaJ07

Distracted walkers are probably not the problem. Probably more drivers text and talk.

— @BillyindaBronx

Cellphones distract regardless of the activity. You can't watch for errant drivers while looking at a phone.

— @phatkeke

For more of this discussion, follow @USATOpinion or search #tellusatoday on Twitter.