aGameOfThrones
05-16-2011, 07:33 PM
Sending a text message on a cellphone or reading an iPad — even just holding the devices — while crossing the street would be outlawed under a proposal the City Council is advancing.
Bill 43 amends the city's ban on holding mobile electronic devices while driving, a law passed in 2009, and extends it to pedestrians crossing streets.
"I totally agree with not using the telephone while driving — texting and all that — but walking across a crosswalk using a phone?" Keating said. "Why are you trying to control our lives?
"Everything we do, we're not doing it right and you guys just want to change everything."
Police Maj. Kurt Kendro said the department opposes Bill 43 because the restrictions were too broad and that any changes to the existing law could water down the driving ordinance.
Under the proposal, simply holding an electronic device while crossing the street would be a violation of the law.
"Even if you're holding it and you're not actively using it and you cross the street, you're in violation of the law," Kendro said. "We think it's a good law to get pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings, but we think this is a bit over-broad because of how it's worded."
The bill was introduced by Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi at the request of a constituent.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110512__Gadget_ban_clears_Council.html
Bill 43 amends the city's ban on holding mobile electronic devices while driving, a law passed in 2009, and extends it to pedestrians crossing streets.
"I totally agree with not using the telephone while driving — texting and all that — but walking across a crosswalk using a phone?" Keating said. "Why are you trying to control our lives?
"Everything we do, we're not doing it right and you guys just want to change everything."
Police Maj. Kurt Kendro said the department opposes Bill 43 because the restrictions were too broad and that any changes to the existing law could water down the driving ordinance.
Under the proposal, simply holding an electronic device while crossing the street would be a violation of the law.
"Even if you're holding it and you're not actively using it and you cross the street, you're in violation of the law," Kendro said. "We think it's a good law to get pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings, but we think this is a bit over-broad because of how it's worded."
The bill was introduced by Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi at the request of a constituent.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110512__Gadget_ban_clears_Council.html