A new report says the use of portable electronics is partially to blame for the 10 percent increase in pedestrian deaths across the country.

The Governors Highway Safety Association study cites a 10 percent increase in pedestrian deaths across the country last year, the largest year-to-year increase in more than 40 years.

The study finds that pedestrians accounted for about 15 percent of all motor vehicle accident-related deaths last year, up from 11 percent a decade ago. The study suggests the increase is because there are more cars on the roads and because more drivers and pedestrians are distracted by technology.

"There's responsibility on both sides, for this increasing problem. It's not only drivers, but it's also pedestrians and people walking need to realize that they're as much responsible for their safety as is the person who is behind the wheel of the car," says Robert Sinclair, of AAA.

Researchers recommend more education on pedestrian safety and more safe, walkable pathways to combat what they call a growing national problem.

The study also found that more populated states like New York, California, Florida and Texas accounted for 42 percent of all pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2015.