Effects of mobile devices usage on pedestrian encounters

Mobile communication devices have significantly increased in the recent past; statistics show that there are more than 5 billion mobile subscribers globally with the United States accounting for 321 million subscribers out of that (Patterson, Vanessa and Mark 314). A study by the Pew Research Center shows that at least 75 percent of the participants have a mobile phone (Patterson, Vanessa and Mark 314). Mobile phones have many advantages; they provide an easy and fast mode of communication, are easily accessible and portable, reliable and offer security in case of emergencies. Additionally one can store data and even access information online via the phone. Despite enormous benefits, mobile phones have a negative side. Civil inattention is another aspect of mobile use amongst pedestrians. Individual make a brief glance to recognize the presence of a passing pedestrian then look away to respect their privacy.