Walking and Wearing Headphones at the Same Time

[Chris Gohlke]

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_037234835.html

"First it was cell phones in cars, then trans fats. Now, a new plan is on the table to ban gadget use while crossing city streets. We all seem to have one -- an iPod, a BlackBerry, a cell phone -- taking up more and more of our time, but can they make us too distracted to walk safely? Some people think so. If you use them in the crosswalk, your favorite electronic devices could be in the crosshairs. Legislation will be introduced in Albany on Wednesday to lay a $100 fine on pedestrians succumbing to what State Sen. Carl Kruger calls iPod oblivion."

I think the government is going too far trying to protect people from their own stupidity. The worst part is the lack of consistency. For example, just a few years ago here in Florida, they removed the law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets after a lot of petitioning by motorcycle riders. What is next, a law against walking and chewing gum at the same time?

[Chris Gohlke]

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_037234835.html

"First it was cell phones in cars, then trans fats. Now, a new plan is on the table to ban gadget use while crossing city streets. We all seem to have one -- an iPod, a BlackBerry, a cell phone -- taking up more and more of our time, but can they make us too distracted to walk safely? Some people think so. If you use them in the crosswalk, your favorite electronic devices could be in the crosshairs. Legislation will be introduced in Albany on Wednesday to lay a $100 fine on pedestrians succumbing to what State Sen. Carl Kruger calls iPod oblivion."

I think the government is going too far trying to protect people from their own stupidity. The worst part is the lack of consistency. For example, just a few years ago here in Florida, they removed the law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets after a lot of petitioning by motorcycle riders. What is next, a law against walking and chewing gum at the same time?