NYC Lawmaker Proposes Ban On Talking And Walking

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/01/25/ny-sen-wants-ban-on-chatting-while-crossing-street/

NYC Lawmaker Proposes Ban On Talking And Walking
$100 Fine If Caught With iPod, Cell Phone Crossing The Street
January 25, 2011 8:30 PM

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(credit: CBS 2)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – After targeting distracted drivers, some New  
York lawmakers want to go after distracted walkers. They are looking  
to ban them from using iPods, music players and cell phones while  
walking and crossing the street.

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At E.A.T. restaurant on Madison Avenue they still haven’t gotten over  
the death of co-worker Jason King, killed last month when a truck hit  
him as he crossed the street while listening to his iPod.

“He was everything to us. He was always laughing, always in a good  
mood,” co-worker Nunny Sanchez told CBS 2′s Marcia Kramer.

“We all miss him dearly like crazy. He was the light of E.A.T. I miss  
him a lot,” Josephina Medina added.

Jason was just 21 and his death and along with other accidents  
involving people using electronic gadgets while walking is why  
Brooklyn Sen. Karl Kruger is looking to ban things like cell phones  
and iPods for pedestrians crossing the street.

“We have people who are literally dying in the street,” Kruger said.

Dying, Kruger said, not because they are distracted drivers but  
because they are distracted walkers. Charles Tabasso, 14, admitted  
he’s one of them because he listens to his iPod constantly.

“I would probably get run over right now if it weren’t for my  
awesome parents,” Tabasso said.

His mom agreed.

“As a parent I am definitely in favor of banning these things,”  
Tullia Tabasso said.

The proposal was triggered by accidents like a woman tripping into a  
fountain while texting, but not everyone thinks the ban is a good  
idea, even King’s co-workers.

“I mean I, myself, I walk around in the street hearing music because  
I don’t want to hear nobody around me or nothing,” Medina said.

“I think it’s terrible. Come on. We need something to keep our mind  
occupied while we’re walking to work,” said Luevonia Simmons of Old  
Bridge, N.J.

Some said they object to the move as an intrusion by government into  
the everyday lives of people — the nanny state syndrome.

“When people are doing things that are detrimental to their own well  
being, then government should step in,” Kruger said.

The fine for violating the law would be $100, which supporters hope  
will be enough to stem what they think is a disturbing trend — a  
slight increase in fatalities.

An Arkansas lawmaker who had proposed as similar bill dropped it  
Monday. He said he didn’t think it had a chance of passing, but had  
brought needed attention to the issue.

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