Should Distracted Walking Become A Ticketed Offense in the Capital Region
Believe it or not but texting while walking is a ticketed offense in a few cities across the states and comes with a hefty fine in some.
Look I know it looks and sounds ridiculous when you read it or say it out loud but it has come to the point that people have become consumed by their handheld electronic devices so much so that they can't be bothered to look up before they cross the street.
It has become such a problem that a few cities have had to literally make it against the law to talk on your phone, look at your phone, or have headphones on while crossing the street. Cities like Stamford Connecticut, Honolulu Hawaii, and most recently in Montclair California where according to MentalFloss if you break the law you will have to pay a $100, $200, or even $500 depending on if you are a repeat offender or not.
I feel like it is sad that this is where we are at. Having to implement laws and fines to get people to look up from their phones and I hate to admit it but I don't think it's a completely terrible idea. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have been driving through Albany and someone has tried to walk across the street from in between two cars starring down at their phone and not even having the slightest care that a car is driving down the road practically right into them. Even the most cautious of drivers can't predict something or someone darting out in front of their car.
Have you had any experiences with distracted walkers in the Capital Region? Do you think we should have laws in place to prevent a completely avoidable tragedy?