{
  "id": 17859602,
  "title": "Forget texting and driving, this everyday phone habit sends even more people to the ER",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/forget-texting-and-driving-this-everyday-phone-habit-sends-even-more",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-02T21:36:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Authority",
    "slug": "android-authority",
    "url": "https://www.androidauthority.com/phone-use-emergency-room-injuries-study-3730842/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent analysis of nearly 1.8 million federal hospital records has uncovered that seemingly innocuous phone habits are contributing to a significant number of emergency room visits in the United States. Among the most common culprits, losing balance while walking while using a phone emerged as the leading cause, accounting for an estimated 7,760 hospital visits between 2021 and 2025, with older adults being the most affected demographic. Other phone-related accidents that sent people to the ER included falling down stairs and colliding with obstacles. As smartphones have woven themselves into the fabric of daily life, many individuals find themselves reaching for their devices even during conversations, often leading to more serious situations than initially anticipated. The study underscores the potential dangers of such seemingly harmless habits and serves as a reminder that even the slightest distraction can have serious consequences.",
  "summary": "Just to be clear, texting and driving is still a terrible idea.",
  "key_points": [
    "Losing balance while walking while using a phone leads to 7,760 ER visits",
    "Older adults most affected demographic in phone-related accidents",
    "Study highlights dangers of seemingly harmless phone habits during conversations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}