FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Pedestrian deaths are up by 10% nationwide, but down slightly in Allen County.

Nationwide almost 2,400 pedestrians were killed by vehicles in the first half of 2015 in what could be the largest year-to-year increase in pedestrian deaths since 1975, according to the Journal Gazette.

Locally, there were only 3 pedestrian deaths in all of 2015 in Allen County, compared to 7 the year before.

Researchers say the jump in the national numbers could be due to increased smartphone usage by both pedestrians and drivers.