Sure, texting while driving is dangerous and you can get ticketed for it. But what about the dangers of texting while walking?
Officers in Fort Lee, New Jersey, have said some people are constantly putting themselves at risk of being hit by vehicles because they do not pay attention.
Police are stepping up patrols looking for "dangerous" walkers who are not obeying the rules of the road.
They have been handing out leaflets warning pedestrians about the crackdown.So far this year, more than 20 people have been hit by cars in Fort Lee. "It's a big distraction. Pedestrians aren't watching where they're going. They're not aware," said Fort Lee Police chief Thomas Ripoli at a news conference.
Getting a ticket for TWW (Texting While Walking)? That's not as bad as walking into a bear ... Link - via Arbroath
The *exact same thing* happened just last week, but this time it was a grown man. I had to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting him. He never even noticed he'd almost been hit - too busy texting.
Everyone should be accountable for their actions while using public roads, and people should be encouraged to think about the safety of themselves and others more.Yes, PLEASE! It's not just themselves they're putting at risk. I chipped my femur and had part of my first and second toes on my right foot amputated while riding my bike last year because I young woman stepped out from between two cars into the bike lane right in front of me while texting. I had to slam my feet down to avoid hitting her hard (it was on a fast commuter bike lane). She cracked two ribs. It would have been worse if I hadn't reacted so fast.
The *exact same thing* happened just last week, but this time it was a grown man. I had to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting him. He never even noticed he'd almost been hit - too busy texting.
Everyone should be accountable for their actions while using public roads, and people should be encouraged to think about the safety of themselves and others more.
I've seldom seen a young person step in front of me when texting, but it happens almost weekly with women who look to be in their thirties or forties.
I'd like to see all subspecies of pedestrians who think that traffic laws designed to ensure fair turn taking for everyone in traffic don't apply to them start receiving tickets.
Walking is a chance to see and experience the three dimensional world and I just don't get why people would rather stare at a tiny screen. I've tried text messaging and it just isn't that satisfying.