Texting and Walking, a Dangerous Mix

Summary

Not every news piece about technology and safety brings doom and gloom, some go right for the funny-bone and the absurd. This rather tongue-in-cheek article discusses the issues of pedestrian accidents while texting based on a Monty Python–esque video clip which has swept the world since its release earlier this month, and a publicity stunt by a British directory assistance company that put prevention padding on light posts to protect pedestrian texters from harm.

Things to think about

Though the video clip – which is well worth watching - and its recommendation to pad pedestrian environments to protect them from inattentive texting is all in fun, there are actually serious proposals that aren’t too far removed.

New York State Senator Carl Kruger introduced a bill last year to tackle the tough issue of “iPod oblivion” after 2 constituents were killed crossing streets while listening to iPods. The bill languished in committee, but the determined senator has re-introduced it for 2008.

Not to be outdone, both Virginia and Maryland are evaluating whether they should ban cyclists from text messaging while riding.

It’s time for a little reflection about what we mandate, legislate, or instigate. While it’s always tragic when someone is killed in an accident, we already have laws that require drivers, cyclists, even pedestrians to act safety.

Making micro-laws to prohibit talking on a cell phone when driving, texting when cycling, or prohibiting “iPod oblivion” merely dilutes the existing laws.

If we go down this path we’ll need a new law for every unsafe combination of activities imaginable - that it’s illegal to argue while driving, eat while driving, shave while driving, and so on.

If we stick to enforcing the requirement that travelers – whether on foot, in cars, on bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, or go-carts - must be in control of themselves and their mode of transportation at all times, then the micro-issues are automatically covered and we can avoid legislating the absurd.

Click here for the full article.

Linda