Pedestrians caught using their cell phones without hands-free devices while walking on public sidewalks could be fined up to $50 and even 15 days in jail for persistent offenders, according to a bill proposed on March 14.
“Distracted pedestrians, like distracted drivers, present a potential danger to themselves and drivers on the road,” assemblywoman and author of the bill Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) said. “An individual crossing the road distracted by their smartphone presents just as much danger to motorists as someone jaywalking and should be held, at minimum, to the same penalty.”
Thirty-two pedestrians in New Jersey have been killed so far in 2016.
40 percent of teens said they had been hit or nearly hit by a car, bike, or motorcycle while walking.
