https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/business/honolulu-walking-and-texting-fine.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fus&action=click&contentCollection=us®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfront
Cellphone usage has increased very much in the past years, and this has proved to cause some dangers. We are all aware that it is highly dangerous to text and drive, but what about texting and walking?
"In the United States, pedestrian deaths in 2016 spiked 9 percent from the year before, rising to 5,987, the highest toll on American roads since 1990, according to federal data. One reason may be the sharp rise in smartphone use, 'a frequent source of mental and visual distraction' for both drivers and walkers, a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association found."
Due to the information above, Honolulu has taken action and passes a new law. If a pedestrian is seen using his/her phone by an officer, he/she will be fined (up to $35).
This will definitely take some getting used to for a lot of people, but I feel that what Honolulu is doing is necessary. I hope to see other places follow in the lead of Honolulu in order to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
I think that it is insane that we use our cell phones so much that people are dying because of them. Phones shouldn't cause pedestrian deaths, so I think that as Americans we need to do something about out cell phone problem.
ReplyDeleteBrooke Simpson