While I (and I guess rest of IntoMobile team) do support laws that would stop people from using their mobile phones without car kits or headsets while driving, somehow I have hard time understanding the low that would fine pedestrians for using cell phones while crossing the street. To be honest, it can distracting and accidents do happen. But can you imagine a situation where you receive an important phone call, just to tell the person on the other side that you’ll call them back as soon as you cross the street? It sounds ridiculous. You can wait for the next green light to turn on, but that’s not the point.
Anyway, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, Illinois state legislators may pass a bill that would do just that — fine pedestrians for using cell phones while crossing the street.
The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago), isn’t anywhere close to becoming law, but it’s drawing a host of reactions — from outrage to ridicule to grudging acceptance.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White likes the concept, though he admits it should only be used to punish those who use their phones while jaywalking.
Even mayor Daley, who’s known to oppose laws that see government intruding into people’s lives, did not slam the door on the controversial proposal. He went even further, adding, “People have to understand, a lot of people are getting injured and killed by cars in pedestrian walks. It’s a safety factor. So, like anything else, you have to use common sense if you’re walking across.”
What do you think?
[Via: textually.org]