New York May Ban iPods, Cell Phones for Pedestrians

New York State Senator Carl Kruger is concerned that three of his constituents have been killed stepping into traffic while distracted by an electronic device. He told the press, “they’re tuning into their iPod or Blackberry or cell phone or video game, they’re walking into speeding buses and moving automobiles. It’s becoming a nationwide problem.” His solution is to fine such folks $100. He should get off the grandstand and fix the state’s schools, highways, and environment.

“Government has an obligation to protect its citizenry,” Mr. Kruger said by phone to a Reuters reporter. “This electronic gadgetry is reaching the point where it’s becoming not only endemic but it’s creating an atmosphere where we have a major public safety crisis at hand.” Reality check: a major public safety crisis is a violent flu outbreak, 10 feet of snow (visit Oswego, NY) or a killer smog. People who don’t look both ways before crossing the street doesn’t really measure up.

Moreover, the people he is trying to address are New York City residents. Unlike most other big cities in the US, pedestrians in the Big Apple believe they are entitled to cross as and when they want. Were jaywalking an Olympic event, New York would sweep the medals every time. Traffic lights that show when to cross safely are viewed with a mild contempt, or at best the sort of tolerance one shows a friendly yet slow child.

Government does have an obligation to protect its citizens, but it cannot protect them from themselves. Self-destructive behavior is not restricted to poor pedestrian behavior. Excessive drinking, eating, sitting around and watching the Grammy Awards all contribute to early (though not necessarily untimely) deaths. Government, and particularly New York State’s government, has better things to do.

One does, however, sympathize with Mr. Krueger. He’s lost three potential votes. No politician likes that. Nonetheless, if he is the sort of politician elected by people who don’t know how to safely cross a street, perhaps the electoral rolls need a review anyway.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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