FitSugar

ER Docs: Texting and Motion Don't Mix

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 PDT

We have become a nation of texters. A few of you even text while at the gym. Texting on a treadmill is considerably safer than texting while crossing the street, and that is why the American College of Emergency Doctors issued a warning against texting while on the move.

It may seem simple to keep our thumbs busy on your BlackBerry while walking, but it can lead to minor accidents like twisted ankles and head wounds from streetlights, as well as unfortunate fatalities from stepping distractedly into oncoming traffic. Illinois is considering a law banning text-walking hoping to help its citizens avoid these tragic accidents.

The warning issued by ER docs isn't limited to text-waking. They think that texting and most activities just don't mix. Emergency rooms have treated patients who sustained injuries while mixing text messaging with horseback riding and cooking. My advice is to put the phone down and focus on the task at hand, even if it is as simple as walking down the sidewalk.

I am curious if any of you have hurt yourself while texting? Share the gory details in the comment section below.

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Social Tips Learned From Googles's I/O Developers Conference

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 11 May 2011 03:11:58 PDT

Yesterday I attended the opening day of the 2011 Google I/O Developers Conference and was excited to find a session entitled "Programming Well With Others: Social Skills For Geeks" on the schedule. While the session didn't exactly end up being what I thought it was going to be (I was hoping for a lighthearted talk about how to socialize, but it did include helpful tips like "don't yell at your coworkers," "don't hide your work," and "don't worry about your mistakes"), it was still super informative for programmers and how they can better collaborate with their teammates. (Check out the Google I/O YouTube page to watch yesterday's sessions.)

Not all hope is lost, though - while I was there, I came up with a few ideas on how geeks (and nongeeks alike) can better hone their social skills in a crowded conference environment. I have to say that the I/O conference is one of the more chill and relaxed conferences I've been to (unlike the madhouse that was CES), so most of these points should serve as a reminder for decent common courtesy. Feel free to leave your tips in the comments!

Don't be a jerk - stand in line like the rest of us. While I was standing in line to catch the social skills tech talk at the conference, a few others were letting out around us. Instead of standing in the very obvious line that formed in front of the conference room door, some of these people decided to crowd around the entrance to wait to get in instead of heading back to stand in line. Just because you don't want to stand in line doesn't mean you shouldn't. Show some respect to those who have been waiting a lot longer than you.
Don't text and walk. I know I'm guilty of texting and walking sometimes too, but when you're in a super crowded expo hall, you should really put the phone down and pay attention to where you're going.

See the rest of the list after the break.

Philly Could Fine You $120 For Texting While Walking

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:12:31 PDT

Heads up, text addicts: you could be fined if you're caught walking and texting on the streets of Philadelphia! We all know that texting while driving is dangerous, but a new program launched in May called "Give Respect Get Respect" is encouraging motorists, bikers, and pedestrians alike to pay attention while in transit. Fines are being issued for drivers that veer into the bike lane, bikers who run through traffic signals and ride on sidewalks, and even pedestrians are being warned that texting while walking could cost you $120.

Philadelphia isn't the first city to consider fining text-walkers; back in 2008, Chicago introduced a bill that would ban texting while walking due to the high level of injuries caused from pedestrians walking into oncoming traffic, falling off curbs, and running into light posts and telephone poles. Though you can download an app that could help you text and walk with confidence, I'm not sure the city of brotherly love would consider that an acceptable alternative.