New York Senator Carl Kruger has introduced a new bill that would ban NY residents from using just about any mobile device, including mobile phones, iPods, and handheld gaming devices, while walking down the crowded streets of New York, particularly at street crossings.

Senator Kruger believes it is a matter of life and death, and that pedestrian distraction with electronic devices is the cause for the increased pedestrian fatalities that NY has experienced in the last year.  The bill would prohibit residents from using their phones for calling, text messaging, or reading emails, as well as listening to or playing games on their iPod while walking down the street.

Kruger’s website claims “You can’t be fully aware of your surroundings if you’re fiddling with a Blackberry, dialing a phone number, playing Super Mario Brothers on a Game Boy or listening to music on an iPod.”   Kruger goes on to cite examples of accidents he believes were caused by pedestrians being distracted, some of which led to fatalities.  The proposed bill suggests a fine of $100 for offenders.

While several of the accidents which have occurred have been awful, many people are simply infuriated that the government feels that it can determine what pedestrians are allowed to do when walking down the street.  Those opposed to the bill feels strongly that the bill is over reaching and exceeds the authority of the gov’t.  Perhaps creating awareness is enough participation from the government, and they should abandon the idea of controlling every leisurely movement of NY citizens. Talking to friends while walking can also be distracting.  So what’s next, no friends for New Yorkers?

Well if Kruger has anything to say about it, those citizens who live for that daily walk to enjoy their favorite tunes, or who use their daily stroll as a chance to return phone calls will have to do without, or pay his hefty fine.  No more tuning out the noisy, hustle and bustle of the city streets.  It is news like this that makes the Florida heat a bit more bearable.

Source:  NYDailyNews.com