The Dangers of Distracted Pedestrians: When “Phone Walking” Leads to Injury

On any given day in downtown Salt Lake City, you can see it happen a dozen times before you reach the corner: someone scrolling through their phone as they cross the street. Head down, earbuds in, oblivious to the traffic signal or the car edging forward in the crosswalk.

We’ve all done it — answered a text, changed a playlist, checked a notification — but “phone walking” has quietly become one of Utah’s fastest-growing safety problems. And while distracted driving gets most of the attention (and the citations), distracted pedestrians are being hurt — and sometimes killed — in increasing numbers.

When those accidents happen, the legal picture becomes complicated. Who’s at fault when the person on foot wasn’t paying attention? What if a driver could have avoided the collision? And what if both share some blame?

Let’s walk through what the law says, how these cases unfold, and what every pedestrian — and driver — needs to understand about staying safe and protecting their rights.

A Growing Epidemic of Distraction

A decade ago, “distracted walking” sounded like a punchline. Now, it’s a public safety issue.

According to national data, pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply over the past ten years, even as overall traffic deaths have leveled off. Utah’s numbers mirror that trend. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) reported that in 2024 alone, more than 800 pedestrian crashes occurred statewide — and nearly one-third involved some form of distraction.

The most common causes? Texting, scrolling social media, listening to music with noise-canceling earbuds, and walking while gaming or streaming video.

It’s not hard to see why. Our phones demand attention, and our brains can only focus on one thing at a time. Studies show that looking at a screen for just two seconds can significantly reduce situational awareness — enough to miss an oncoming car or a changing light.

But distraction doesn’t just put pedestrians at risk; it also complicates the question of who’s legally responsible when an accident happens.

The Shared Duty of Care on Utah’s Roads

Utah law gives pedestrians many rights, but it also imposes responsibilities. Both drivers and pedestrians owe what’s called a duty of care — an obligation to act reasonably to avoid causing harm.

Drivers must yield at crosswalks, obey signals, and remain vigilant for people on foot. Pedestrians, in turn, must use crosswalks properly, follow traffic lights, and avoid stepping into the road when it’s unsafe.

That means if a pedestrian is distracted and walks into traffic against the signal, they can share fault for the resulting accident. Utah’s comparative negligence system allows fault to be divided among multiple parties.

So, for example:

• If a distracted pedestrian is found 30% at fault for their own injuries, they can still recover 70% of their damages.

• But if they’re found 50% or more at fault, they can’t recover anything under Utah law.

In short, being distracted doesn’t automatically prevent an injured pedestrian from pursuing compensation — but it can reduce how much they’re entitled to.

How Courts and Insurance Companies View “Phone Walking”

When a pedestrian is injured while using a phone, insurance adjusters are quick to assign blame. It’s an easy narrative: “They weren’t paying attention.”

But real cases are rarely that simple. Distraction may have played a role, but drivers also have duties — especially in high-traffic, pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown Salt Lake, Ogden, or near college campuses.

If a driver was speeding, failed to yield, or was distracted themselves, they may still bear the majority of responsibility. Utah law expects drivers to anticipate pedestrian mistakes to some extent, particularly in crosswalks and residential zones.

A skilled attorney can investigate factors that go beyond the obvious:

• Was the driver texting or looking away at the moment of impact?

• Were crosswalk signals visible and functioning?

• Did the roadway design contribute to poor visibility or unsafe conditions?

• Was the pedestrian in an area where drivers should expect foot traffic?

  
  

It’s entirely possible for both parties to have been distracted — and for liability to hinge on whose distraction mattered more at the critical moment.

Real-Life Example: A Crosswalk Collision in Provo

Imagine this: it’s a fall evening in downtown Provo. A college student, earbuds in and phone in hand, steps into a marked crosswalk just as a pickup truck turns left. The driver, glancing briefly at his GPS, doesn’t see her in time.

The impact throws her several feet. She suffers a broken arm and a concussion.

At first glance, it sounds like the student was at fault — she was distracted. But when investigators review nearby security footage, they see the pedestrian signal was lit “WALK” at the time, and the truck turned without yielding. The driver also admits he was looking at his phone map.

Under Utah’s comparative negligence rule, the court finds the driver 80% at fault and the pedestrian 20% at fault for not watching her surroundings.

If her damages total $100,000, she can still recover $80,000 — because her fault was less than half.

Cases like this highlight why Utah’s legal system allows for nuance. Few accidents are ever entirely one-sided.

The Psychology of Distraction

From a safety standpoint, distracted walking is more than just clumsiness — it’s a neurological issue. Psychologists call it “inattentional blindness.”

When you focus intently on one task (like reading a text), your brain filters out other sensory input — even things directly in front of you. It’s why people bump into poles, trip over curbs, or walk into fountains while glued to their screens.

Add traffic to the mix, and the results can be catastrophic.

The National Safety Council estimates that thousands of emergency room visits every year stem from cellphone-related walking injuries. Most are minor falls, but the serious ones — involving vehicles — often result in traumatic brain injuries, fractures, or fatalities.

And it’s not just teenagers or college students. Adults, professionals, even parents walking their kids to school — anyone can fall prey to the “multitasking” myth that our brains can truly focus on walking safely while managing a digital feed.

What Happens After a Distracted Walking Accident

When a pedestrian accident occurs, the aftermath can be overwhelming. There are medical bills, lost income, insurance calls, and, often, a sense of guilt or confusion.

From a legal perspective, the process starts with determining who had the right of way and how each party behaved.

A pedestrian injury claim in Utah typically involves:

1. Police reports and witness statements — establishing what both the driver and pedestrian were doing.

2. Phone records or digital evidence — showing whether distraction was involved.

3. Surveillance or dashcam footage — capturing the moment of impact.

4. Accident reconstruction — analyzing timing, visibility, and reaction distance.

   
   

Insurance companies use this evidence to apportion fault. Even if the pedestrian was distracted, they may still be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Long-term rehabilitation or disability

  
  

An experienced personal injury attorney can make the difference between being unfairly blamed and receiving fair compensation.

How Utah’s No-Fault System Fits In

Utah’s no-fault insurance rules add another layer to these cases.

If the pedestrian was hit by a car, the driver’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage typically pays the pedestrian’s first $3,000 in medical expenses — regardless of who caused the crash.

If injuries exceed that amount (and they almost always do), the pedestrian can then file a liability claim against the driver’s insurance company — as long as their injuries meet Utah’s “serious injury” threshold, such as permanent disability, disfigurement, or high medical costs.

This system ensures prompt medical coverage but still allows victims to pursue full damages when negligence is involved.

Prevention: Rethinking How We Walk

While the law can sort out fault after the fact, the real goal is to prevent these accidents altogether.

Pedestrian distraction is easy to overlook because it feels harmless — but awareness and small changes can dramatically reduce risk.

Here are some simple tips that actually work:

• Look up before crossing: Finish your text or call before stepping off the curb.

• Use one earbud instead of two: Keep ambient sound awareness.

• Make eye contact with drivers: Never assume they see you.

• Cross at designated crosswalks: Utah law gives right-of-way there, not mid-block.

• Put the phone away near intersections: Those few seconds can be lifesaving.

  
  

For drivers, it’s equally important to stay alert near intersections and school zones. Teen drivers, in particular, should be reminded that pedestrians can be just as distracted as motorists — and that anticipation can prevent tragedy.

A Shared Responsibility

When you look at pedestrian accidents as a whole, one theme becomes clear: distraction is universal. Drivers text, pedestrians scroll, cyclists wear headphones — everyone’s attention is divided.

That’s why Utah’s legal framework emphasizes shared responsibility. The law doesn’t assume one side is always right; it recognizes that both have a duty to stay aware.

The modern street isn’t just a space for cars — it’s a shared environment. Whether you’re walking, driving, or biking, the same principle applies: your attention is the most powerful safety feature you have.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been injured — whether you were the pedestrian or the driver — don’t assume blame or let an insurance company decide fault for you. Talk to a Utah personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

An experienced lawyer can:

• Gather critical evidence before it disappears

• Challenge unfair fault assignments

• Negotiate with insurers for proper compensation

• Handle communication and paperwork so you can focus on recovery

  
  

Even if you were partially distracted, you may still have a strong claim. Every detail matters — from crosswalk timing to driver behavior to phone data.

At The Legal Beagle, we’ve handled numerous pedestrian accident cases across Utah, including many where fault wasn’t clear at first. We know how to tell your story — and how to make sure insurance companies don’t use distraction as an excuse to deny justice.

Final Thoughts: Walking Mindfully in a Digital World

Technology has changed how we move through the world. Our phones connect us, entertain us, and guide us — but they also pull us away from the present moment.

Every time someone steps into the street while reading a text, they’re taking a risk that’s invisible until it’s too late. But awareness isn’t about fear — it’s about mindfulness. It’s about reclaiming control over where our attention goes, especially when safety is on the line.

In Utah, where pedestrian traffic is rising in cities like Salt Lake, Provo, and Ogden, that mindfulness matters more than ever.

A few seconds of attention can save a life — maybe your own.

If You Were Injured While Walking — Even If You Were Distracted — We Can Help

At The Legal Beagle, we understand that accidents are rarely black and white. Whether you were crossing the street, walking to work, or jogging through a neighborhood, you still deserve protection under Utah law.

We’ll investigate what happened, determine who was truly at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us today for a free consultation at (801) 915-6152 or visit mylegalbeagle.com to schedule your case review.

Don’t let an insurance company dismiss your injury because you glanced at your phone — let us help you get the justice you deserve.