Which scenario could indicate a distracted pedestrian?

Which scenario could indicate a distracted pedestrian?

• A. Someone looking straight ahead at oncoming traffic.
• B. Someone looking down while reading a text on a cell phone.
• C. All of the above.
• D. Someone looking both ways before entering a crosswalk.

Answer: (B)

Being distracted means your attention is away from the road and the crossing environment. The scenario where someone is looking down while reading a text on a cell phone shows distraction because their eyes and focus are on the device instead of watching for vehicles, signals, or pedestrians. This can delay noticing hazards and responding to changes in traffic. In contrast, looking straight ahead at oncoming traffic indicates they’re monitoring for vehicles, and looking both ways before stepping into a crosswalk shows they’re actively checking for safety. Since only the texting case clearly demonstrates divided attention, that is the scenario indicating a distracted pedestrian. The idea here is that distraction reduces awareness and increases risk when crossing or walking near traffic.

Being distracted means your attention is away from the road and the crossing environment. The scenario where someone is looking down while reading a text on a cell phone shows distraction because their eyes and focus are on the device instead of watching for vehicles, signals, or pedestrians. This can delay noticing hazards and responding to changes in traffic. In contrast, looking straight ahead at oncoming traffic indicates they’re monitoring for vehicles, and looking both ways before stepping into a crosswalk shows they’re actively checking for safety. Since only the texting case clearly demonstrates divided attention, that is the scenario indicating a distracted pedestrian. The idea here is that distraction reduces awareness and increases risk when crossing or walking near traffic.