So you're meeting up with a friend and you send them a text letting them know you're on your way. Sounds harmless, right?

Not necessarily, according to U.S. doctors. Texting is a distraction and when you're paying attention to that in lieu of other activities like walking, driving, or biking, you're leaving yourself open to potentially serious injuries, the American College of Emergency Physicians warns.

The college contends there's a rise in texting-related injuries, mainly among teens and young adults.

Spokesperson Dr. Linda Lawrence notes her colleagues are seeing cases, "among teens and young adults, in particular, who are arriving in emergency departments with serious and sometimes fatal injuries because they were not paying attention while texting."

Many of the injuries appear to happen to those who make the mistake of walking while using their mobile devices.

"People are texting and they trip and fall on their faces - usually people in their 20s. We see a lot of face, chin, mouth (and) eye injuries from falls," Dr. James Adams of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine said in a release.

Bob Baker, whose company Smartrisk works to make people more aware of risky behaviour, says texting while in motion is a great way to arrive at injury.

"Multitasking means you're focusing on more than one thing so nothing's getting 100 per cent of your attention," he explains. "The key thing that we're saying to people is this: make good decisions and stay focused on what you're doing."

Obviously, others are often hurt more seriously when they drive, bike, or in-line skate while texting.

Quebec, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have already banned cell phone use while driving. Ontario is said to be considering similar legislation.

In the meantime, here's some advice on how to text safely:

• Don't text or use your cellphone when you're involved in a physical activity that requires sustained attention.
• Don't text while driving or motorcycling.
• Keep your mobile devices in easy to find spots so you're not distracted by rummaging through purses or backpacks for them.
• If you get a call or message while doing something that requires your attention, ignore it. Turn the device off if you think you might be distracted by incoming missives.
• Check your surroundings before texting. If there's a chance something might strike you (for example a ball at a baseball game) go to a safe area.
• Be aware that you're not the only one at risk when you're texting while in motion - you could seriously harm a small child if you walk into them.