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