In 2007, Brooklyn Sen. Carl Kruger proposed a ban on talking on cell phones, texting or listening to music through headphones while crossing the street. And though for three years most people have thought the idea is crazy, he's using the recent tragic case of Jason King as an example. King was hit by a truck on the Upper East Side, and investigators believe he was listening to his iPod while crossing the street. Kruger said, "We have people who are literally dying in the street." However, he has lost some support.
Not only does his argument about King's death not quite hold up (the truck driver had been going in reverse after missing his turn), but another politician has recently dropped a proposal banning pedestrians from wearing headphones in both ears while crossing the street. Arkansas Sen. Jimmy Jeffress said he didn't think the proposal would have passed anyway, but just wanted to bring attention to the issue. Kruger said of the Senator's decision, "I don't know the legislator, but shame on him because in the process that goes forward it's not a question of whether or not you pass a bill. You also file a bill because it may be a cornerstone for others to use."
Many see the law as impractical. Mark Shenefelt wrote, “Clumsy or air-headed pedestrians are a danger mostly to themselves, unlike drivers of speeding autos. It’s laughable that strapped local governments anywhere would see any sanity in having their police officers spend time looking to bust scofflaw gadget pedestrians." Streetsblog also wrote on Twitter, "This 'distracted walker' meme is BS. Data I've seen suggests 75%+ of ped deaths are drivers' faults." Still, Kruger argues, "It's important to press the issue, because it's an issue worthy of the pressure. There is a definite, demonstrated need for this legislation." Just switch "pedestrians" to "bikers" and we're sure you'll get the attention you seek.
