Ban Proposed On Walking While Talking, Listening To iPod
What's next? ...a ban on walking and chewing gum???
I'd propose banning politicians from making silly laws
...but I guess that's unrealistic.
Rob
Ban on Walking and Talking
Discussion in '2008 Archive' started by Deacon, Feb 7, 2007.
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The proposed ban is only in pedestrian congested areas with the offense being like for jaywalking. I suspect it is to make it easier and somewhat automatic to putting some of the responsibility for pedestrian-car accidents on the negligence of the pedestrian rather than solely on the driver.
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I think the consequences of walking in front of a moving car far outweigh any penalty that might be arbitrarily imposed by lawmakers.
The proposed law is inane.
Rob -
A surprisingly large number of pedistrian/auto accidents involve pedestrians who were ignoring traffic signals/laws.
However, there's a limit to the things a law can do to make us safer. At some point, the increment of safety isn't worth the restriction on freedom.
You can make it foolproof, but you can't make it *$*& foolproof. I'd be in favor of a law using "failure to exercise due care" to take care of the idiots who use ipods and don't watch.
I think it's possible that one can use an ipod and be safe as a pedestrian. What's wrong with just holding people responsible for acting safely? Penalize the idiots without imposing on the rest of us. -
because of socialized medicine
Many restrictive laws have come about because of the trend toward socialized medicine. For example, seatbelt and helmet laws. If the govt is to indemnify injuries then the govt is obligated to limit its exposure. -
Manhattan traffic is different than most. Thirty miles an hour is way too fast there. Most residents there don't drive so they don't realize how easily - a moment's inattention - they can be killed. Pedestrians rule very aggressively there - they often attack cars with umbrellas and briefcases to enforce their right of way. :eek:
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NEW YORK -- A state senator from Brooklyn said on Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation that would ban people from using an MP3 player, cell phone, Blackberry or any other electronic device while crossing the street in New York City and Buffalo
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First I think it is an excellent law. True, it is the responsibility of the pedestrian to look while he crosses the street, but if he doesn't, and he gets hit, the driver will be involved involuntary.
However, why just NY City and Buffalo? It should be statewide. If the senator wants it just for NYC, then he should ask his city councilman to propose such an ordinance.
Currently, there are too many laws that do not pertain to NYC
Salty
PS, did I mention I am a driving instructor -
I already know about no turn on red and not starting through an intersection if you can't make it all the way. Oh, and on streets with a median divide, drivers don't have to stop for school buses stopped in the opposite direction.