Text-messaging mania takes to the street

CHICAGO, July 29 (UPI) -- A proposed Illinois law banning text-messaging while walking across intersections points out a serious problem, say backers.

An Illinois General Assembly bill was introduced in January and is generally supported by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who headed up a driver safety task force. But other safety issues arose, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

Under the proposed law, pedestrians could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined $25 if found using a cell phone or other wireless device while crossing streets.

State Rep. Ken Dunkin, D-Chicago, introduced HB 4520 insisting: "This legislation is not laughable. On the surface it's like, 'Oh wow, what is this?' But it's becoming more and more of a common problem with people haplessly crossing an intersection and almost killing themselves."

Even a multitasker such as Kelly Scheiner admits there is logic to restrictions on text-walking.

"I think that's probably smart," she said to a Tribune reporter while using a BlackBerry during a shopping trip. "If someone's (crossing the street) and not looking, it's safer for the pedestrian to avoid texting ... Of course I do it. I'm pretty careful. I try to be. But I'm sure I've hit someone or something once or twice."