A lot of people have pet peeves that really annoy them when they’re out around other humans. And almost all of them involve cell phones. So THIS seems like a good thing.
Italy is considering outlawing texting in crosswalks, starting in October. The government is proposing fines of around 90 U.S. dollars if you’re caught looking at your phone while using a crosswalk. So it’s not JUST texting.
The measure will NOT apply to pedestrians using earphones and hands-free devices. So phone calls or listening to music are fine, but HOLDING your phone up at your ear would be considered “distracted.” (There would surely be an exception for people calling emergency services.)
The goal is to keep people’s heads up and aware of their surroundings, for everyone’s safety. Especially in situations where the streets are narrow and the intersections are tight, and it’s best for everyone to be able to predict what others are trying to do. Also in situations with TOURISTS.
(The Guardian / The Independent)
