State Legislators Looking To Ban Habits Of Distracted Pedestrians
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The New York Times of January 26, 2011, cites further efforts by lawmakers across the country to curb iPod and cell phone usage by pedestrians and bicyclists. Not only are legislators in New York and Arkansas looking to curb distracted walkers, but they are working in other states on banning non-motorists' earbuds. (Interestingly, the Arkansas proposal was withdrawn earlier this week due to a flood of protests by constituents.)
In Oregon, for instance, pending legislation would forbid bicyclists from using mobile phones and music devices, while in Virginia, a bill has been proposed to prevent cyclists from using a "hand-held communication device."
In California, the same state senator who led a successful campaign against text messaging by motorists is now re-introducing a law to fine bicyclists $20 for first-offense texting.
But is there evidence for regulating the use of earphones by walkers and cyclists? Many lawmakers cite anecdotal incidents of injuries to iPod-wearing exercisers. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports there was a slight increase in pedestrian fatalities in the first six months of 2010. A spokesman for the group indicated that distractions may be the root of the uptick in deaths.
A professor of cognitive science at the University of California at San Diego, Hal Pashler, states that listening through earbuds overpowers the brain, blocking everything else out, more than any other type of multitasking.
Do distracted pedestrians pose a risk to anyone other than themselves? Even advocates of limiting exercisers' use of electronic devices admit that the person most likely to be hurt is wearing the earbuds.
