Research from the British Automobile Association discovered there are 17 auto accidents every day related to an 'iPod Oblivion' that poses dangers to motorists and pedestrians.
The British research group believes as many as 26,887 pedestrian casualties and 500 pedestrian deaths were caused due to simple lack of attention in 2009 alone. The 17 accident-per-day average is a 5 percent increase year-over-year, and pedestrian inattention continues to rise.
"We can't stop the march of technology but we need to halt the 'iPod pedestrian, cycle and driver zombies'. Whether on two feet, two wheels or four, too many people are suffering from so-called 'iPod oblivion,'" said Edmund King, AA president, in a statement.
Meanwhile, analyzing AA Insurance claims from the past 12-month cycle ending July 30th, 177 pedestrian inattention collisions took place, with one confirmed fatality. Incidents such as pedestrians using their phone and/or listening to music while crossing the street or intersection without paying attention contribute to the problem.
Another issue with listening to iPods and other music players, according to experts, is the danger of being mugged for the snazzy electronics. British police published a report a few years ago stating that robberies of MP3 players and phones have increased 40 percent in certain parts of the country.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to look out for one another while also taking care of themselves. If cyclists or pedestrians are too busy texting and listening to music while using a public road, accidents seem inevitable.
Many states that have banned using phones without handsfree devices while driving also plan to issue similar laws for cyclists -- taking things a step further, some police agencies have launched crackdowns against cyclists wearing earbuds in both ears.
It's sometimes sad to see more "nanny state" laws go into effect, but if it saves a significant number of lives, it might be worth it.
