Sara Truedson
Staff Writer
New York State Sen. Carl Kruger told FOX News on Feb. 7 that he will propose a bill that would ban using an iPod, cell phone or and any other electronic devices that are considered to be distractions while crossing streets in all five boroughs of New York City and Buffalo.
The bill would impose a $100 fine and a criminal court summons. In addition, bicyclists and joggers would have to limit their iPod use to parks where there is no need to cross any streets. No, this is not a joke.
Kruger is proposing the ban in response to two recent pedestrian deaths in his Brooklyn district, including a 23-year-old man who was struck and killed last month while listening to his iPod— an overreaction on Kruger’s part, some would say.
“While people are tuning into their iPods and cell phones, they’re tuning out the world around them,” Kruger said.
The question at hand is how are the 8.1 million people of New York City, the most populous city in the United States going to be regulated? Not only does our government not have the funding to post policemen on every other street corner, but city officials have more important issues to be concerned about.
A New Yorker’s main means of transportation is by foot. Growing up in and out of Manhattan, I can personally vouch that walking is the most convenient way to get where you are going. In the very electronic-savvy world that is New York, it is naïve to think that residents will give up their prized technology just to cross a street.
Without a doubt, tech consuming New Yorkers are less than thrilled with this proposal. If music is allowed while driving, it should be allowed while walking. The government should not be securing our safety at the expense of our liberty, as this ban does not equate to a free society.
It is laughable to think that businessmen put an important call on hold just to cross 5th Avenue. It is equally unrealistic for college students to turn off the Red Hot Chili Peppers while entering a cross walk. These are one of the many situations that need to be realistically thought about before passing this ban. The fast-pace life of the average New Yorker allows no time for a hiatus.
One can argue that there have been many pedestrian fatalities while crossing the streets of New York. However, I am not sure if this ban is the answer to solving this problem. If anything, it should reinforce the message that the city of New York is a unique place that should be met with keen awareness. One should only travel by foot if they can pay attention to signs and traffic.
I find it hard to believe that one would be unable to see the crosswalk’s “walk” sign while listening to their iPod. Cell phones and iPods don’t kill pedestrians. Trucks and cars kill pedestrians. Instead of focusing on the pedestrian, elected government officials should be passing tougher laws against reckless drivers.
The sense of freedom and independence a New Yorker has would be undermined by this ban. Instead of such a drastic proposal, Kruger should explore more practical avenues for improving the city of New York itself.
02-15-2007