Lawmakers propose crosswalk cell phone ban

[wilebill]

Lawmakers propose crosswalk cell phone ban (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/875044,CST-NWS-cross03.article)

State legislators may pass a bill that fines pedestrians for using cell phones while crossing the street, but don't expect Eve Decker to take notice.

"Put me in jail," said Decker, 45, of Chicago. "I'm not paying for talking on a phone. . . . It's a God-given freedom that I have. What law is there that says I can't talk on the street? It's no different than if I'm walking with a friend and talking."

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago), isn't anywhere close to becoming law, but it's drawing a host of reactions -- from outrage to ridicule to grudging acceptance. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says he's behind the basic concept of the bill, although he thinks it should only be used to punish those who use their phones while jaywalking.

White became a supporter of the idea after noticing a pattern: pedestrians on cell phones coming dangerously close to being hit while on crosswalks, said Dave Druker, a spokesman for White's office.

At rush hour Wednesday at the busy corner of Lake and LaSalle, people streamed across the intersections, many gabbing on cell phones.

"I'm on the phone," said one woman, clearly irked at being interrupted for an interview.

Yeah, but if you hit a pedestrian, and not knock the phone out of their hand, you get extra points.

[Ted]

Oh.
Running down cell phone jay walkers is a bad thing? :smt102










:-D
just kidding

[firefly]

They would jump at the chance to sue somebody's @ss off if one of them were hit. You can bet on that!:smt009

[mi_nombre_es]

Simple thing to fix, if they are on their cell phone and jay walking, it is a felony and what happens if you committ a felony against someone who is in the process of committing a felony? (I forgot the exact ruling behind this. It is kinda like shooting and killing someone robbing a bank).

[Scarlett O'Hara]

While they are at it, could they ban people from talkin on phones when they are checkin out..............It really gets me to be in a line behind someone checking out when they are on their phone and it takes them twice as long to pay and get their stuff cause their dang phone call is so important!!!!!!!!!!!! okay I'm through ranting!!!

[mi_nombre_es]

i seriously wish they would ban cell phones in restuarants. I can't tell you HOW many times i've walked up to tables and they were on their tiny ass cell phone not saying a word and I greet them, and they snap off at me with something like "Excuse me just a minute, i have a rude waiter...*turns head to me* Can you see I am on the phone"


OMG, they have to send a search party to find me after comments like that.

[luvnlife]

I have to agree there....its a rule with the family....all cell phones are left in the car before we enter a restaurant.

[Conveyor Belt]

Maybe they'll all get cancer and die and then we won't have to worry about this stuff anymore.

I hate cell phones with a passion.

Mostly, because they turn everyone that uses them into instant assholes.

[betsy]

No, everyone that uses a cell phone is not an asshole, conveyor belt. If they are used properly they are mighty handy little gadgets especially if you get lost as a lot of us little ol ladies do. And it helps us keep up with our families who seem not to have much time for us anymore. It helps us have communication with some of our friends who have moved away. And it keeps the line open for George Clooney to call me at anytime.lol

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Hey, Betsy, I'd like one of those calls, too!!!

[opheliapo]

How many laws can you pass to keep people from being a danger to themselves? How about a little accountability? If you weren't paying attention and walk right out into traffic, whose fault is that?? Do you really have to make it against the law to be inattentive? Because that's what it basically is.