Honolulu in Hawaii has become first major American city to ban pedestrians from walking across road while looking at mobile phones or other digital devices. new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall cross street or highway while viewing mobile electronic device." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this law for first time will get fine of $15-$35. People who break law for second or third time will get $99 fine. The new bill is called Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's mayor Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of high number of accidents, injuries and deaths because of pedestrians using mobile devices.
Some lawmakers called people who text while walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said ban was necessary to make people more aware of dangers of texting while walking. He said: "We hold unfortunate distinction of being major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to pass, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we lack common sense." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has advanced, we sometimes forget about real issue, and that’s about safety." new law is similar to one that bans texting while driving.
