Earlier this week, we reported on two legislators’ proposal to crack down on pedestrians who aren’t paying attention while walking because they’re distracted by their iPods and such. Now one of those legislators has dropped his plan because of a flurry of opposition from the public. Here’s the Associated Press account on that:
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By ANDREW DeMILLO
Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas’ iPod-toting runners and walkers can keep enjoying their tunes in both ears for the time being, but plugged-in New York pedestrians may not be so lucky.
Following a flurry of attention about the idea, an Arkansas state senator on Tuesday dropped his proposal to ban pedestrians from wearing earphones in both ears while on the street or sidewalk.
Arkansas Sen. Jimmy Jeffress said he didn’t originally think that his proposal would have passed the Legislature, but at least wanted a debate about the dangers of pedestrians paying more attention to their gadgets than their surroundings.
“I got the dialogue before I got it to committee,” Jeffress said shortly before withdrawing the proposal he introduced less than a week ago.
Jeffress, a Democrat from Crossett, acknowledged that he was backing away from the idea partly because of backlash from opponents of the proposal, which did not specify any penalty.
“I’ve had about half a dozen positive hits on it and 10 times that many against it. That’s the thing,” Jeffress said. “I think it’s just time to let everybody know to quit e-mailing me.”
A New York lawmaker who’s proposed a ban on pedestrian use of electronic devices while crossing the crosswalk of cities with a population of 1 million or more rebuked Jeffress for backing down on his idea.
“I don’t know the legislator, but shame on him because in the process that goes forward it’s not a question of whether or not you pass a bill,” Sen. Carl Kruger, a Democrat from Brooklyn. “You also file a bill because it may be a cornerstone for to use.”
Kruger, who has been pushing for the ban since 2007, said he thinks he can pass the measure this year and is hoping to soon hold a hearing his legislation. Kruger said he believes the issue of distracted pedestrians is gaining attention nationally giving him momentum for his cause.
“It’s important to press the issue, because it’s an issue worthy of the pressure,” Kruger said. “There is a definite, demonstrated need for this Kruger has said he’s pushing for the restriction because of a series of accidents in his district involving distracted pedestrians.
The proposed restrictions come as safety advocates say they’re worried about a slight increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities. The Highway Safety Association earlier this month reported that pedestrian fatalities rose slightly in first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. If the second half of the year shows no change, the group said, it would mark an end four years of decreases.
Nationally, pedestrians make up about 12 percent of traffic fatalities, the group said.
