It seems that almost every week we hear about the dangers of distracted driving as a growing cause of car accidents. As the use of electronics becomes ubiquitous and creeps into all areas of our lives, the potential for distraction also increases. To combat the growth of distractions on the road, a majority of states and Washington D.C. have passed bans against texting on the road and some states and cities have banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving. After taking a good look at the distractions of drivers, some lawmakers have their eye on other distracted users of the road — and sidewalks.
Lawmakers in two states have proposed distracted pedestrian laws that would ban the use of cell phones, music players and other electronic gadgets by pedestrians, runners and bicyclists while near streets and roadways. Lawmakers believe that too many non-motorized users of the road are too focused on their gadgets and not aware of what is in front of them. The goal of the proposed laws is to ensure that all travelers are aware of their surroundings.
In Arkansas, state lawmakers have proposed a law that would ban pedestrians, runners and bicyclists from using headphones on both ears while in proximity to a street or roadway. Pedestrians, joggers and cyclists can still use headphones in one ear so that they are equally if not more aware of their surroundings than their music. Lawmakers in New York have been trying to pass a distracted pedestrian law for nearly four years.
The law in New York would ban the use of cell phones, music players and other electronic gadgets by pedestrians in crosswalks in cities with a population of 1 million or more. The proposed fine for violating the rule is a $100 ticket. One of the state lawmakers that proposed the bill said people in his district were too caught up in their electronics and that too many car accidents occurred in his district because of distracted pedestrians. The lawmaker believes the distracted pedestrian law is no different than a distracted driving law.
Source: USA Today, "States take aim at distracted pedestrians," 1/24/11