Accident Solicitors Say iPod Could Be Causing Traffic Accidents

According to the AA, up to 17 road traffic accidents could be caused every day in the UK by pedestrians who are distracted by their digital music players. The same report estimated that around 500 pedestrian deaths and 26, 887 casualties were caused last year by this lack of attention to road safety.

By analysing insurance records, the association says it found a 5% rise over the last year in accidents caused by 'unintentional blindness' - the term it used to describe the state of complete inattentiveness to the world around us caused by the use such devices. With its own customers involved in 177 such collisions last year, the association is suggesting that this could account for more than 6,000 collisions across the wider population.

While some accidents are caused by MP3 players, the AA has found that other forms of communication technology are also to blame, with some even checking their emails as they cross between passing cars.

Meanwhile, the organisation's breakdown patrols have also noted a marked increase in the number of 'iPod zombies' - its term for pedestrians and joggers who have become deaf to the traffic around them.

However, the AA was quick to note that the state is not just lethal for pedestrians - it can affect cyclists and car drivers as well. It cited instances of motorists who have broken down on motorways, then pace up and down on the hard shoulder while using a mobile phone, inches away from passing juggernauts.

"We can't stop the march of technology but we need to halt the iPod pedestrian, cycle and driver zombies," said AA president Edmund King. "When on the move, our brains have much to take in and using technological gadgets means that our brains can't always concentrate on so many things at once. "This is when we walk into traffic, don't hear the truck, or drive cocooned from the outside world."

In June, reports surfaced of Police targeting motorists who are using iPods while driving.

Warning that drivers could be given a 瞿60 fine and three points on their license, police said that offenders could be prosecuted under existing rules which state that drivers should not be distracted while at the wheel.