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Australia To Fight iPod Use By Pedestrians

Posted by Soulskill on from the hard-to-fight-that-logic dept.

Kilrah_il writes "In recent years the number of people killed on roads in New South Wales, Australia has dropped, but strangely enough, the number of pedestrians killed has risen. Some think it's because of the use of iPods and other music players making people not attentive to road dangers (the so-called 'iPod Zombie Trance'). Based on this (unproven) assumption, the Pedestrian Council has started a campaign in an effort to educate the people, but apparently it isn't enough. Now, some are pushing for the government to enact laws to help eradicate the problem. 'The government is quite happy to legislate that people can lose two demerit points for having music up too loud in their cars, but is apparently unconcerned that listening devices now appear to have become lethal pieces of entertainment,' [Harold Scruby of the Pedestrian Council of Australia] said. 'They should legislate appropriate penalties for people acting so carelessly towards their own welfare and that of others. ... Manufacturers should be made to [warn] consumers of the risks they run.'"

7 of 450 comments (clear)

  1. Duhh... by meglon · · Score: 5, Informative

    Warning: Being STUPID can cause injury or death.

    --
    Fascism: An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization. See also: NAZI's
  2. The reason why by Chuck+Chunder · · Score: 5, Informative

    Seems like all the news coming from there is about less freedom.

    It's largely because all the news is bullshit.

    Australia does not have an internet filter.
    Nothing is happening in regards to this story

    Somebody making a noise about something, even if that person is a politician in government, is not the same as them actually doing something.

    --
    Boffoonery - downloadable Comedy Benefit for Bletchley Park
    1. Re:The reason why by scdeimos · · Score: 4, Informative

      The fact that Australia has politicians who are even willing to test the waters by floating such ideas says a lot by itself.

      Far be it for me to defend politicians, but this little bit of "policy" as you'd like to call it has come from a not-for-profit group that pretty much amounts to a "Club for Pedestrians".

      To wit:

      The Pedestrian Council of Australia is a non-profit organisation whose objectives are: the continuing improvement of the safety, amenity, access, health and environment of all pedestrians throughout Australia.

  3. Harold Scruby by hairyfish · · Score: 5, Informative

    For those outside Australia, The Pedestrian Council of Australia is a fringe element run by a media whore and general looney Harold Scruby. Their role seems to be one of self importance and can be found offering their opinion about 'road safety' to anyone who'll listen (mostly pseudo current affairs type shows that like to drum up controversy). The best tactic here is to ignore anything they say. Like with most crazies, arguing back simply provides them with more attention than they deserve.

  4. Re:What the.... by cujo_1111 · · Score: 5, Informative

    It isn't common knowledge, but the Pedestrian Council of Australia is only one person, Harold Scruby. A year or two ago, he was responsible for 90% of complaints against TV ads, especially car ads. He is a fruit loop who likes to cause trouble

    --
    If I point out that you are incorrect, making me a foe does not make you any more correct.
  5. Re:What the.... by Orionn2000au · · Score: 4, Informative

    A google search led me to their website, which suggests otherwise. http://www.walk.com.au/pedestriancouncil/page.asp?PageID=105

  6. Re:What the.... by Dr+Damage+I · · Score: 4, Informative

    If you acquire 12 demerit points within 3 years, you lose your license to drive.

    --
    "Cursed is he who rises early in the morning..." Isiah 5:11