Phoenix-based CopperPoint Insurance Companies recently said that more and more, people who are texting or operating mobile devices while walking are getting injured by tripping, falling down stairs or stepping into traffic.

Recent articles about distracted walking have prompted the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons to launch an awareness campaign.

Last year, market research company Ipsos conducted a national survey in which nearly 40 percent of the respondents said they had witnessed distracted walking and 26 percent admitted that they have been involved in such an incident.

Emergency room visits from injured distracted pedestrians have more than doubled between 2004 and 2010.

Even though 76 percent of adults believe distracted walking is a “serious” issue, 74 percent said “other people” walk while distracted while only 29 percent admit to the same practice.

Some insurance carriers even suggest that employers create formal policies addressing distracted walking as part of the company policy on appropriate use of personal or mobile devices in the workplace.

CopperPoint offers others safety tips and useful information in its safety resources library at copperpoint.com.