A fine for using your iPod, cell
while walking?
February 7, 2007
That's what one state politician wants
Eyewitness News
(Brooklyn - WABC, February 7, 2007) - A state senator from Brooklyn
says he wants to make it illegal to use an iPod,
cell phone or blackberry while
crossing the street -- this after two pedestrians were killed
while using an electronic device.
So can you legislate this?
Eyewitness News political reporter Dave Evans has the story.
They call it 'iPod oblivion' -- when you're
talking on a cell phone or listening to an
iPod while crossing the street.
"It can be a distraction you know but most times I stay
alert ... I'm aware of my surroundings," iPod
user John Palmer said.
But Albany thinks it's a problem, and so Senator Carl
Kruger of Brooklyn is proposing a law that if anybody
uses any kind of electronic device while crossing an intersection,
they may face a fine of $100 dollars.
When asked if he has ever used a cell phone crossing the street,
Kruger said "absolutely." He added,
"That doesn't make it right. If Kruger's
bill becomes law I promise I'll adhere to it."
Needless to say in New York City Kruger's
proposal isn't going over well.
"I make a living on the phone ... that's what I do. I'm
on the phone all the time," Realtor Lisa Conway said.
"This is New York. We're constantly on the cell phones.
It's part of life, it's part of business," Realtor Mary
Ferraro said.
Even transportation experts say the bill is silly.
"iPods don't kill pedestrians. Cars and
trucks kills pedestrians. So instead of blaming the victim,
our elected officials should be passing tougher laws for reckless
driving," said Paul Steeley White of Transportation Alternatives.
This new law is being proposed because two people were recently
hit and killed both in Brooklyn, both listening to music on
the headset while crossing the busy intersection.
Still, we couldn't find a single person who thought the bill
was a good idea.
(Copyright 2007 WABC-TV)
|
