omg u guyz: Illinois' Proposed Walking/Texting Ban Still Has Legs

posted by Zach Patton

Texting-while-walking could become a crime in Illinois: Several officials, including the Illinois secretary of state, have voiced approval for a bill that would outlaw the practice.

Is this merely the next logical step after so many states and cities have passed bans on using handheld cell phones while driving? Or is this a pointless step too far?

More importantly, would you be affected?  Are you a texter-walker?

Comments

[Deborah Johnson]

This same topic was covered by Seattle TV (KING5) last night, only as a personal safety issue. Falling off curbs was cited, for instance, as a hazard of texting while walking. We were laughing at it! At some level people need to take personal responsibility for their actions, and this crosses the line for me. Taking legislative action is ridiculous.

[PCC]

What's stupid about this is that it displays a stunning ignorance of the law. Said ignorance is to be expected in Illinois, where only the Law of the Jungle governs our roads, but I'm surprised to hear the same of Seattle.

1. If a pedestrian is crossing the street in a crosswalk (and not against a Stop signal), s/he has unconditional right of way, and drivers must yield. Nothing else matters.

2. If a pedestrian is crossing the street against a signal or outside of a crosswalk, s/he is jaywalking and already breaking the law.

So, what possible circumstances are being legislated against here?

[RW]

I don't think getting hit by a bus is the issue here. If someone is busy texting and trips over a curb (man hole cover, street plate), falls and breaks a bone, who pays? The city would. It is a liability issue.

Somebody has too much time on their hands if they are seriously thinking about this. Our forebears fought a very bloody war about loss of personal liberty to government in the 18th century. It is, of course, the nature of government to take as much power as people allow. Here is a good example.

[Dawn]

Liability has forced this issue to be addressed. The person too busy texting or talking on a cell phone will get injured and sue any one one they can think of instead of taking personal responsibility. Instead of using legislation, there should be guidelines enacted to stop frivolous lawsuits based on foolishness such as texting while walking.