Authorities in Honolulu say mobile phones are modern devices with many advantages, one of which is sharing thoughts and happenings with others as they happen. However, although these gadgets can bring people together, some of the disadvantages include bringing cars and pedestrians together in a way that may cause serious injuries. Authorities are concerned about the high number of auto accidents that seem to be caused by pedestrians who fail to take proper care while they are texting.
The Honolulu City Council passed a bill that was drafted after consultations with the city’s police department, and the mayor will announce the implementation date. The bill will prohibit the use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, video games and paging devices, while a person is walking along or crossing Honolulu streets. This may reduce the number of incidents in which motorists and pedestrians are injured due to distractions.
Most people have become dependent on their mobile devices, not realizing that texting occupies their attention, minds and fingers, leaving them extremely vulnerable when they move about among vehicular traffic. The city intends to issue fines of $15 to first offenders that will increase in severity for those who are caught texting while walking more than one time. Repeat offenders can be fined as much as $99.
Pedestrians who text while they cross streets do not only put their own lives on the line but also those of others in the area, as well as the occupants of vehicles that might be involved in resulting auto accidents. Honolulu residents who suffer injuries in accidents that resulted from the negligence of a texting pedestrian will be entitled to pursue recovery of damages. Proving negligence will be a challenge, and victims may choose to secure the services of an experienced personal injury attorney to help them navigate a civil lawsuit.
Source: us.blastingnews.com, “Honolulu to impose fines of up to $99 on those who text while walking“, Prabir Ghose, July 16, 2017
