New Study Finds 40 Percent of Teen Pedestrians Have Either Been Hit or Nearly Hit

A new study released this week from Safe Kids Worldwide revealed that 40 percent of teens have been hit or nearly hit by a car, bike or motorcycle while walking.

The report, called "Teens on the Move," explores walking behaviors of 1,040 teens ages 13 to 19.

Distraction plays a huge role, according to the research. Half of teens surveyed say they cross the street while using a mobile device.

The study expands on findings from a 2013 Safe Kids report revealed 1 in 5 high schoolers and 1 in 8 middle schoolers cross while distracted by technology.  

Teens who had been hit or nearly hit reported crossing in the middle of a block or running across the street. Researchers examined fatality data which shows that 75 percent of teen pedestrian deaths take place when it is usually dark out, or between 7pm and 7am.

The study was created to better understand why teens have the highest pedestrian death rates among children 19 and under. The death rate for teens ages 13 to 19 is nearly three times that of 5 to 12-year olds.

In 2012, 488 children ages 19 and under died after being hit by a car while walking, 284 of which were teens ages 13 to 19.

"Even though we all know about the dangers of texting when walking or driving, it is still a common practice, especially for teens," said Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, according to the release. "This is a trend we simply must stop."

Here are some tips to keep safe while walking.

-Cross at a traffic signal or crosswalk when possible.

-Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

-Put down phones and headphones when crossing the street.

-Be especially alert when it's dark out, and make sure you're visible to drivers.