NJ Legislator Proposes Fine For Walking While Phone-Distracted (philly.com)

schwit1 writes: A bill proposed this week by Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D., Camden) would impose a fine of up to $50 and possibly 15 days in jail for pedestrians caught using their cellphones without hands-free devices while walking on public sidewalks and along roadways. If the bill becomes law, 'petextrians' — people who text while walking — would face the same penalties as jaywalkers in New Jersey. From the article: Researchers say distracted walkers are more likely to ignore traffic lights or fail to look both ways before crossing the street. ... Lampitt said she wants that message to hit home in New Jersey for pedestrians and motorists who could easily be distracted while looking at mobile devices. Her bill, however, faces an uncertain future in the Legislature. It has not been posted for a vote and Lampitt acknowledged she might have a tough time getting it passed." Distracted pedestrians surely pose some risks, but they don't budge the needle compared to overbearing officialdom.

Comments

Re:wrong solution

[chihowa]

The other responses in this thread list a few, including the classic: pedestrian steps out from between two parked vehicles into a stream of busy traffic moving at speed. An accident of some sort is extremely likely in that case and that's the sort of situation that inspired jaywalking laws to begin with. You don't need contrived gun-to-head scenarios unless you're being deliberately obtuse. A reasonably attentive driver doesn't have superhuman reflexes and the ability to change the laws of physics when maneuvering or braking a car. (Legally, a reasonably attentive driver is even allowed to be looking the opposite way or checking their mirrors or gauges for the second that it would take such a jaywalker to enter the stream of traffic.)