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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.
to give police to arrest someone for some other pretense.
Distracted pedestrians (and anyone else distracted while doing something else) just need to be properly assigned responsibility for the problems they cause.
If a distracted pedestrian, not obeying traffic laws gets mowed down, then that is on them, 100%. Driver walks away scot-free. If they cause an accident, they pay for damages, 100%. If they cause any financial hardship on anyone for their distractedness, they own it, 100%.
Oh, but wait. That requires a society that recognizes personal responsibility and this is the US we are talking about here. Never mind silly old me.
In a state where everything is legislated, the people in it are assumed by the state to be mindless slaves who would stop functioning without constant instruction in minute details of life. And they are probably correct in that judgement.
You should take these stories personally. I think it would be difficult to over react. You can see countless examples of such laws already enacted.
You think you're so intelligent that such laws would never affect you. But there are such laws that affect you.
Instead of making excuses for the signs of your government's tyranny, you should inventory the examples.
I think most anyone who has the discipline to do this will come to the conclusion that they are not a respected citizen of the state.
Maybe if enough people were to harden themselves in this way there could be an opportunity for freedom for those who deserve it.
Who spend their time diddling away at ridiculous bills when there are real problems to be solved.
An earlier proposal — from Ms. Lampitt's fellow female Democrat from Essex — would've made it mandatory for bicycles to be registered in the State.
Kinda reflects badly on the national Party trying to portray itself as the defender of personal freedoms and individual rights.
In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.