Honolulu ‘Distracted Walking Law’ Outlaws Texting While Crossing The Street
Honolulu is the first major city in the U.S. to pass an ordinance that targets texters and enacts fines on pedestrians who use their cell phones while crossing the street. Under Bill 6, Honolulu will fine those deemed “distracted walkers,” or persons who watch their phones as they step off the curb.
The law doesn’t only apply to cell phone users. Those using laptops, digital cameras, or video games will also be expected not to look at devices while crossing the street.
On Thursday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed the bill, also known as the “Distracted Walking Law,” after it was passed 7-2 earlier this month by the city council, according to Reuters. The law is aimed to reduce injuries and deaths related to “distracted walking.”
“We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in the county.”
