Drivers Versus "Podestrians"

Part of the allure of iPods and MP3 players is the momentary insulation from the world at large. But zoning out can have serious consequences to pedestrians with iPods, termed “podestrians” and drivers alike.

U.K.-based Swinton Insurance reports that people who listen to these portable electronic devices while walking are perhaps a little too happily distracted and may be oblivious to approaching traffic because of a high volume level or because of noise-canceling headphones. In fact, there is an increasing incidence of motorists pegging podestrians as scapegoats for crashes. In many accounts of minor accidents on insurance claim forms, Swinton has seen a significant increase in drivers citing such individuals as having been a factor.

According to Swinton's data, the most common scenario involves an audibly unaware podestrian stepping into the road without first looking properly or hearing cars whizzing by. This often forces the approaching driver to break suddenly, thereby causing a rear-end collision.

“People have enjoyed listening to music on foot ever since Walkmans were introduced in the late 1970s,” said Steve Chelton, insurer development manager at Swinton. “However, there seems to be a rising number of pedestrians who are isolated from traffic noise. This isn't so much of a problem at major junctions, where traffic lights and crossings offer visual cues as to when it's safe to cross.”

The buzz surrounding iPods is not likely to die down anytime soon. To stave off claims, however, auto insurers may suggest that policyholders and podaholics turn down the volume.