An Illinois legislator has submitted a bill which would ban crossing a road while using a mobile phone. The bill, proposed by Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago) would levy a fine of up to US$25 on each infraction.
While the proposal has been widely ridiculed, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White told the Chicago Sun Times that he's behind the basic concept of the bill, although he thinks it should only be used to punish those who use their phones while jaywalking.
White became a supporter of the idea after noticing a pattern: pedestrians on cell phones coming dangerously close to being hit while on crosswalks, said Dave Druker, a spokesman for White's office.
The bill (ref: 625 ILCS 5/11-1011.5) was filed in the General Assembly on the 17th Jan and has now been re-referred to Rules Committee
On the web: Chicago Sun Times - Illinois General Assembly
Posted to the site on 3rd April 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/30304.php