More than half of British adults risk serious injuries by scrolling on their phones while walking, new research has revealed. A study of 2,000 people, carried out by Censuswide for breakdown company Green Flag, showed that 54% “scroll and stroll” near busy roads, and just over a third admit to scrolling while crossing the road.
Collisions and trips reported
Pedestrians distracted by their phones report colliding with cars (15%) and bicycles (16%), tripping off kerbs (54%) and walking into signposts or bollards (39%).
Green Flag says the behaviour is particularly common among Gen Zs, with more than seven in 10 (71%) 18 to 24-year-olds admitting to doing it.
Peak danger times
The findings come ahead of the back-to-school and university period, when roads become busier with commuters, students, parents, and children travelling during peak hours. They also coincide with Department for Transport analysis showing pedestrian collisions resulting in serious injury or casualty peak between 3pm and 6pm on weekdays, when the school run and evening commute overlap.
30 million affected
Green Flag has calculated this dangerous scrolling behaviour is done by around 30m UK adults, by applying the survey finding (54%) to the UK's adult (18+) population of approximately 55.02 million people.
Green Flag's head of trading and customer, Damon Jowett, said: “Scrolling and strolling has become second nature for many of us. Whether it's replying to messages, checking social media, or changing a playlist, it's easy to underestimate how much attention these activities demand when we're on the move.
“While walking into a bollard or tripping off a kerb might seem harmless, even small trips can result in injury. Our research also shows that distracted pedestrians are colliding with bicycles and even vehicles, which could lead to serious consequences for both pedestrians and drivers.
“With roads becoming busier as schools and universities return and commuters head back to work after summer, it's important that everyone plays their part in keeping our roads safe.
“Pedestrians should avoid using their phones when crossing roads or walking near traffic, while drivers should remain fully focused when behind the wheel, avoiding distractions such as mobile phones and being aware of pedestrians.”
