Honolulu in Hawaii has become the first American city to ban pedestrians from walking the road while looking at mobile phones or digital devices. The new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall cross a or highway while viewing a mobile electronic ." This includes mobile phones, tablets, computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this for the first time will get a fine of $15-$35. People who break the law for a or third time will get a $99 fine. The new bill is called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of the high number of accidents, injuries and deaths of pedestrians using mobile devices.
Some lawmakers called people who text walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban was to make people more of the dangers of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, our seniors, than any other city in the county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were we did not have to pass, that perhaps common would [exist], but sometimes we lack common sense." Another lawmaker said: "As has advanced, we sometimes forget about the real issue, and that’s about ." The new law is similar to one that bans texting while driving.
