The Honolulu City Council in Hawaii passed a bill this week making it illegal for pedestrians to use their phones while crossing the street. Anyone caught driving will be fined up to $99.
The city councilor, who introduced the bill, said he got the idea from teenagers who worry about their friends (!!).
School groups have expressed concern about their classmates being distracted by crossing roads and looking at their phones, rather than facing the road from both sides. Advances in technology can sometimes distract and compel them people not to pay attention
The bill passed on a 7-2 vote. A political opponent of his, wisely pointed out, that treating children with their own conditions will be more effective:
Teenagers are more affected by their peers. A social media campaign would probably be more expansive than any legislation we pass.
The bill will have to be signed by the mayor in order for it to come into force.
