Texting while walking in New Jersey could soon be illegal

In today’s tech-dominated world, many people are guilty of texting while simultaneously doing something else. Although texting and driving has voiced plenty of concerns, distracted walking is becoming a growing problem around the globe, as people of all ages become increasingly dependent on electronic devices for personal and professional matters. 

A fake road sign designed by artist Jay Shells.

A measure recently introduced by New Jersey assemblywoman, Pamela Lampitt, is looking to ban walking while texting and bar pedestrians on public roads from using electronic communication devices unless they’re hands-free. Violators would run the risk of facing fines of up to $50, 15 day imprisonment, or both, which is the same penalty as jaywalking.

According to Lampitt, half of the fine would be allocated to safety education about the dangers of walking and texting.

Researchers noted that pedestrian deaths have been rising in recent years. Eleven percent of fatalities in 2005 involved pedestrians, while in 2014 that number rose to 15 percent. The rise in deaths coincides with states introducing bills that target pedestrians and/or bicyclists. For example, a bill pending in Hawaii would fine someone $250 if he or she crossed the street with an electronic device.

While some see the proposal an unnecessary, others understand Lampitt’s reasoning. Most agree that people need to be made aware of the issue rather than taking for granted that nothing bad will happen.

“Distracted pedestrians, like distracted drivers, present a potential danger to themselves and drivers on the road,” Lampitt said. “An individual crossing the road distracted by their smartphone presents just as much danger to motorists as someone jaywalking and should be held, at minimum, to the same penalty.”

Lampitt said the measure is needed to dissuade and penalize “risky behavior.” She cited a National Safety Council report that shows distracted walking incidents involving cellphones accounted for an estimated 11,101 injuries from 2000 through 2011.

Source: Mashable