New York To Ban Fun
Sen. Carl Kruger of New York is currently promoting a bill that would ban the use of iPods and cell phones to pedestrians crossing streets. The purpose of the bill would be a safety precaution to keep pedestrians from being distracted while maneuvering through traffic. Kruger says that three pedestrians in Brooklyn have already been killed due to these distractions.
Can you imagine that? “I’m sorry, I’m going to have to call you back. I’m about to cross a street.” What if you have your headphones on while crossing the street, but the song is paused? No one can prove that you were actually listening to something. I guess the next step is not allowing people to eat, talk to fellow pedestrians, whistle, or think too hard while crossing the street.
I know his intent is good, but it just seems silly. Especially in a place like New York where people are walking all of the time and likely walking the same paths everyday. It seems reasonable that someone in this position would listen to music or call a loved one up on the phone to breakup the tedium of walking everywhere all of the time.
Since this is something that is so commonplace, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too hard for some young budding photojournalist to snap a picture of Sen. Kruger crossing a street while on the phone. I’m sure even he wouldn’t follow a law like this one.
February 8th, 2007 at 12:55 am
Good story. And as for your bio. Haha. Love it. You might appreciate that I found the aroma of Spaghetti O’s in one of the Rieslings at my winetasting group last night.
February 8th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Is it only ipods? What about old school cassette tape players? Is the phone okay if you are doing it handsfree? What if you are talking to yourself? Singing to yourself?
February 8th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
The intention is good but how on earth would it be policed? I remember when I was at school and we were warned not to walk or cycle while wearing headphones, didn’t make the slightest bit of difference and nor will this.