A bill is being submitted in Knesset that would make it illegal to be engaged in SMS text messaging on one’s phone as one crosses a street. The bill is intended to increase awareness and prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths on Israel’s streets.
It is already illegal to operate a cellular telephone while driving and this bill is yet another step towards limiting irresponsible or potentially dangerous cellular usage.
It is interesting to note, that YWN reported this past Sunday that the town of Fort Lee, NJ will begin issuing $85 summonses to anyone caught texting while walking. Click HERE to read that article.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Well, we did invent the idea of a “nanny state” but it is more bearable when it is done with the coercive elements of having a government (rather than public opinion, busybodies, even a Beis Din).
Any chance they’ll ban people from listening to music while walking? How about talking to a friend? What about humming? What about thinking? What if someone bumps into a light post while have a deep thought?
So sending a text message is illegal but bloging or browsing on your phone is ok?? And will they begin arresting pigeons for tweeting in the street?
Shticky……..good one!!! Israelis are notorious for making up laws that aren’t followed or enforced. It’s just going to be another excuse to taunt and abuse the Frum. Once again it’s frum word against the cheloni cop. I’d love to see the statistics that compelled them to come up with this nonsense. Funny, this coming from the country that invented SMS messaging. Tweet, Tweet.