An American study points to the responsibility of smartphones in the increase in head and neck injuries. In question: the lack of attention of users when they are on the public highway.
Since their appearance in the mid-2000s, smartphones have revolutionized our daily lives, to the point of becoming, for some of us, essential.
Accompanying us on all our trips, whether in public transport or in the car, our phones are not without danger to our health, however… especially when we have our noses plunged into their screen and we are not careful. to our environment.
This is highlighted by a new study from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, in the United States, and published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. According to its authors, there is a correlation between the arrival of the iPhone on the world market in 2007 and the increase in head and neck injuries. In question ? The annoying habit that users have of walking or driving with their smartphone screwed in their hand… which makes them more vulnerable to obstacles.
One in two accidents linked to distracted driving
To reach this conclusion, the researchers reviewed the records of 2,501 emergency department patients who suffered head and neck injuries resulting from cell phone use between 1998 and 2017. They observed a steady increase in the number of injuries during this period, as well as notable spikes: first in 2007, but also in 2016, when the Pokémon Go phenomenon exploded, this augmented reality game in which players follow on their phone in real locations animated characters.
The most common injuries identified are cuts, bruises, grazes, abrasions but also internal injuries, especially around the eyes and nose. More than 41% of cases occurred at home and were minor. 50% of these accidents were attributable to distracted driving and a third to distracted walking in public spaces.
Pre-teens first victims
Data analysis showed that children under the age of 13 were particularly affected by more serious injuries, including injuries related to the explosion of the telephone battery, or the inattention of one of their parents. Many, for example, have been affected by a phone dropped by their parents.
“Injuries from cell phone use have mostly been reported in driving incidents, but other types of injuries have been vastly underreported,” says the surgeon and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey. Boris Paskhover Medical School.
For the researchers, “distractions caused by cell phones are the main cause of injuries”. They “mainly affect people aged 13 to 29”, continues Professor Paskhover. “The findings suggest a need for education about the risks of cellphone use and distracted behaviors during other activities as well as driving and walking.”
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