NY State Senator Looks to Ban Use of iPods, Cell Phones While Crossing Street

A New York senator wants the use of cell iPods and cell phones banned when using crosswalks

In another case of the government "looking out for us," a New York State Senator Carl Kruger is looking to ban the use of electronic devices while crossing the street. Two people have been killed in Kruger's district in recent months; one of which was a 23-year-old listening to an iPod before being struck at the corner of East 71st St. and Avenue T.

"While people are tuning into their iPods and cell phones, they're tuning out the world around them," said Kruger. "Tuned out to the world around them. They're walking into speeding cars. They're walking into buses. They're walking into one another and it's creating a number of fatalities that have been documented right here in the city."

Kruger wants New Yorkers to know that he isn't against the iPod, just improper use of the popular devices. "You want to walk in the park, enjoy it. You want to jog around a jogging path, all the more power to you, but you should be crossing streets and endangering yourself and the lives of others," said Kruger.

People who break the proposed law would be subject to a $100 fine according to Kruger.

There's plenty of reaction from New Yorkers on both sides of the discussion. "You have your iPod in your ears and you're crossing the street, you are looking with your eyes. You don't have to hear anything, really ... I guess," remarked an unnamed woman.

"I'm still looking," said Lance Gordon. "It's not like I'm not paying attention."

"This is New York. We're constantly on the cell phones. It's part of life, it's part of business," said Mary Ferrao, a realtor in the area.

"It's too dangerous. Drivers don't pay attention and pedestrians don't pay attention," said Nicole Lake of Jersey City.

"iPods don't kill pedestrians. Cars and trucks kill pedestrians. So instead of blaming the victim, our elected officials should be passing tougher laws for reckless driving," stated an official for Transportation Alternatives.

When it comes to one's personal liberties, most people aren't willing to give up any -- even something as small as listening to an iPod or talking on the phone. And then there's the matter of if the government should be treading into this matter in the first place no matter how well intentioned the concerns are.