Mindless use of gadgets can lead to disaster
The city ordinance states that 'a pedestrian shall not cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device.' Violators caught staring at electronic devices—including laptops and cameras—will be fined between $15 and $35. For repeat offenses, the fine may increase to $99. An exception is made for calls to emergency services, which will not be penalized.
Critics of the new rule have already accused the government of excessive regulation of people's behavior. 'Sometimes I wish we didn't have to pass some laws to, perhaps, have common sense prevail, but sometimes we lack common sense,' said Mayor Kirk Caldwell to Reuters.
According to U.S. authorities, incidents involving pedestrians distracted by mobile phones led to more than 11,000 injuries in the U.S. from 2000 to 2011. Statistics for recent years have not yet been published, but they are likely even more alarming.
As BBC notes, Honolulu is not the first city to try to ensure safety for 'smartphone zombies'—people who do not look up from their phones while walking. A year ago, authorities in the German city of Augsburg placed red traffic lights directly on the sidewalk at crossings so that even those not looking around would notice them. And in the Chinese city of Chongqing, several years ago, dedicated pedestrian lanes were created for people with phones.