Many PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS owners who use their handhelds on their daily commutes in New York may be familiar with the sinking sensation of realising they've missed their stop after getting too involved in a game. However, most pedestrians seem to manage to put down their handheld long enough to check that they're not stepping into oncoming traffic. However New York State Senator Carl Kruger said he will introduce legislation to ban the use of gadgets such as iPods, mobile phones, Blackberry devices and video games while crossing the street. As per Kruger cases of people stepping into traffic while distracted by an electronic device is on a rise.
Tech-consuming New Yorkers trudge to work on sidewalks and subways like an army of drones, appearing to talk to themselves on wireless devices or swaying to seemingly silent tunes. But a legislation to ban the use of electronic gadgets, including portable game machines, BlackBerrys, mobile phones, and iPods, while crossing the road is way too much. Those who ignore the ban could face a fine of $100.
According to me this is a classic case of blaming the product for the stupidity of other people. Trust me, this won't last long.