That call as you cross the road could be your last

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Talking on a mobile while driving has already been shown to increase the risk of an accident four-fold.

But for the first time researchers have proved that conducting a phone conversation on the move is also dangerous.

The research, published in New Scientist magazine, looked at pedestrians as they attempted to cross a road.

It found that those talking on mobiles were twice as likely to step out in front of a car than those who were not.

The study of 127 Ohio students found that 48 per cent of those chatting on phones tried to cross the road when traffic was moving, compared to 16 per cent listening to an iPod and 25 per cent not using any gadgets.

Writing in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, Professor Jack Nasar, who led the research, said:

"We need to balance the positives with better knowledge on the ways mobile phone use may increase accidents.

"If the use of portable technology puts the pedestrian at risk, perhaps technology can offer a solution."

Roger Vincent, a spokesman for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "You need all your senses around you. For the sake of not talking for a few seconds you might be protecting your life."

Meanwhile in New York, using your iPod while crossing the road could soon be illegal.

State Senator Carl Kruger wants those who use MP3 players, mobile phones or Blackberries while walking to face a £50 fine.

Two pedestrians have been killed after walking into traffic while listening to MP3 players in the past three months.