Crossing the street while having your face buried in your phone can be as dangerous as texting while driving. In both instances, you’re not paying attention to the road and are distracted. This can lead to fatal consequences for others on the road and isn’t a responsible thing to do. In order to prevent accidents from happening due to this, Honolulu has banned the use of phones at crosswalks. It’s the first big city in the United States to enforce this ban.
Honolulu has become the first major city in the United States to enact a law that fines citizens if they cross the street while using their phone. The law will be in effect starting October 25th, 2017.
The city will be able to fine people ranging from $15 to $99 if they’re found to be using their handset at the crosswalk. The penalty will depend on whether or not someone is a repeat offender. An exemption is in place for those who are calling emergency services.
Honolulu has done this because, as Mayor Kirk Caldwell points out, the city sees more crosswalk impact than almost any other city in the country.
Just how well it will be enforced remains to be seen because, after all, it comes down to the police to stop offenders and fine them. The police may decide to look the other way in some instances if they feel that this is only a minor infraction at that particular point in time.
Filed in .. Source: reuters