Honolulu Declares War On Smartphone-Distracted Walkers

Quite often, we hear about the dangers of texting or using a smartphone while driving, but what about using a smartphone while walking? Even though it might be inherently less dangerous because you're not controlling a multi-ton vehicle while distracted by your phone, it can still be dangerous to walk while distracted. One Hawaiiain city is looking to do something about that by banning smartphone use while using crosswalks.

Beginning in October, it will be illegal to use a smartphone while simultaneously using a crosswalk in Honolulu, Hawaii. On October 25, being caught doing so will net you a fine that ranges from $15 to $99. The first time you're caught during a single year, you'll have to pony up $15 to $35. Do it a second time and the fine ranges from $35 to $75, and for a third infraction you'll be paying out $75 to $99.

The law allows for crossing the street while making an emergency call, which suggests that normal, non-emergency calls are being banned while using a crosswalk as well. The language of the ordinance is actually a little hazy in this regard, as it bans crossing "a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device."

Instances of people getting hit by cars while crossing the road with their eyes on their phones are not rare, Reuters reports. Between 2000 and 2011, there have been more than 11,000 reported injuries stemming from distracted walking, and that's precisely what Honolulu is looking to avoid. While the fine doesn't seem to be too extreme, it's certainly enough to get most people to put their phones away before they begin crossing the street, especially if you're caught twice or three times within a year.

It'll be interesting to see how this works for Honolulu and, if the initiative is successful in cutting back on distracted walking, if other cities in the US follow suit. What do you think of this law? Is it justified or is it overreaching? Head down to the comments section to share your take.