Police in Honolulu … will begin writing tickets for people who get distracted by their cellphones while walking in a crosswalk. Honolulu is the first major city in the country to pass such a law, citing a high rate of pedestrians being hit in crosswalks.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 6, also known as the Distracted Walking Law, in July 2017. At the time, he said that Honolulu held “the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in the county.”
- Under the new law, the only legal reason for a pedestrian to use a cellphone while crossing a street or highway would be to call 911 to report an emergency.
- not limited to cellphones – a downward glance at a screen of any kind will cost you — a phone, a tablet, a video game.
- Minimum fines for breaking the new law start at $15; for repeat offenders, the penalty ranges from $75 to $99. Higher rates — up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for a third — had been considered earlier this year.
- pedestrian deaths have increased by 11%
- when pedestrians use a cellphone, “this distraction can cause them to trip, cross roads unsafely or walk into motionless objects such as street signs, doors or walls.”
So much to comment on, so little blog space, eh?
Personally, I think the legislation is a step in the right direction. (pun intended) Everyone has their own agenda today. Unfortunately, nothing on anyone’s agenda has to do with common sense or courtesy whatsoever.
As if Hawaii thought they had issues – here in Northern Michigan we have stupid idiots that ride their bikes and attempt to text. On the shoulder of a busy four lane street. First of all, these people should not attempt to multi task. Ever. Second, there are very good reasons grown man are riding their bikes. This IS Northern Michigan.
Ugh!
My opening comment about having so much to comment on was wrong. Well, kinda. There is. But, my rambling would be unreadable gibberish with lots of foul language. So, I’ll just stop. Maybe I’ll go for a walk outside now. I won’t be … fined. Remember, I don’t have a cell phone. Besides, the summertime is calling my name.
I just hope those Brady bitches look both ways before entering the crosswalk.
