Can You Type 'Watch Out?' Texting Teen Meets Manhole

There are 14 states that have passed laws banning drivers from text messaging. There's nothing on the books, however, about texting while walking, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take safety precautions. One Staten Island teenager found that out the hard way after being injured when falling into an open manhole while texting.

The 15-year-old was walking with a friend Wednesday when she suddenly fell underground, according to the New York Daily News. "She's all scraped up on her back, under her arms and her shoulders," the teen's mother told the newspaper.

The manhole had been opened by a Department of Environmental Protection crew flushing a high-pressure sewer line, officials told the Daily News. New York City officials have launched an investigation.

"We regret that this happened and wish the young woman a speedy recovery," said a Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman.