Created: 7/31/2008 10:43:43 AM 
Irving, TX -- The nation's emergency room physicians expressed concerns over texting as teens and young adults head back to school and college next month.
The doctors say they are seeing a rise in accidents and injuries related to people texting while walking, biking, rollerblading, and driving.
"It's tragic," said Dr. Linda Lawrence, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), "among teens and young adults, in particular, who are arriving in emergency departments with serious and sometimes fatal injuries because they were not paying attention while texting."
Common sense goes a long way to prevent injury while using these devices, but to ensure further safety Dr. Lawrence advised the following measures:
Don't text or use a cell phone while engaged in any physical activities that require sustained attention; such activities include walking, biking, boating, rollerblading or even intermittent-contact sports such as baseball, football or soccer.
Never text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving or motorcycling, and use caution even with headsets.
Avoid becoming distracted by rummaging through purses, backpacks or clothing by keeping cell phones and blackberries in easy-to-find locations, such as phone pockets or pouches.
Ignore the call or message if it might interfere with concentration during critical activities that require attention. Better yet, turn off the device beforehand during times when incoming calls or messages might prove to be a dangerous or even simply embarrassing or annoying interference.
Be mindful of the distraction and corresponding reflex-response delay that texting can cause, and don't text in any environments in which excessive inattention can cause safety concerns, such as while sitting alone at night, waiting for a bus, or in a crowded area, where one could easily become a victim of a personal theft. "The bottom line is to be aware of potential safety concerns and to simply exercise caution, restraint and good judgment at all times when using a cell phone or blackberry," said Dr. Lawrence.
WFMY News 2
