Sun Editorial: Stop walking and put down the phone?
We are all well versed on the distracted driving laws that have been created across the country over the last few years. The law makes it illegal to use a phone while operating a motor vehicle, unless it is done with a hands-free device.
It is a good law — one that was created in response to the increasing number of motor vehicle accidents being caused by people who were texting, talking, browsing or Snapchatting while driving.
It is a law that has garnered a lot of PR attention as well. Campaigns such as “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” have popped up to warn of the dangers of distracted driving. Youth groups have also taken up the cause to educate their peers on why distracted driving can be very dangerous.
Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt wants to take this one step further. She has proposed a “distracted walking” bill that could fine offenders up to $50, put them in jail for up to 15 days, or both.
Lampitt says distracted pedestrians are as much a danger to motorists as jaywalkers, which is why she proposes similar penalties for the offense.
We applaud the aim behind this proposal — to keep pedestrians and motorists safe. But we question whether we really need a law in place to do so.
Other states have attempted to pass similar laws to Lampitt’s proposal. None have succeeded thus far, but more attempt every year.
We question whether a distracted walking bill is one that could reasonably be enforced. While we don’t ignore that pedestrian safety is of concern, especially in the many downtown areas of our state, would police officers be able to effectively enforce the law? We aren’t so sure.
We believe that, instead of passing a law forbidding the practice, distracted walking should become a part of distracted driving education. We don’t need a law and prison time to save pedestrians; we need information.
