[ad_1]
Everyone knows that it is dangerous to use one's phone while driving, but one group says that using one's phone while walking is just as bad and that pedestrians should be penalized for it.
The Pedestrian Council of Australia calls on the government to crack down on distracted pedestrians with a $ 200 fine for failing to pay attention to crossing the road.
The purpose of the fine is to deter pedestrians from listening to music or texting while crossing the road, as this can have very serious consequences.
Harold Scruby, chairman of Australia's Pedestrian Council, told news.com.au that it was a dangerous act for which pedestrians are rarely punished.
"This behavior is uncontrollable. Just look at pedestrian behavior in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia to find that it's an incredibly dangerous modern phenomenon, "he said.
"Penalties are currently very low for distracted pedestrians and they are rarely enforced even because it's often too difficult."
Mr. Scruby said that pedestrian distraction can cost people their lives and nothing is done to fix it.
So far this year, 60 pedestrians have been killed on the roads of New South Wales, compared to 52 during the same period last year.
"Pedestrians crossing roads while distracted are in great danger of getting hurt," said Scruby.
"It's not just pedestrians who can be injured, if a driver is forced to turn around to avoid a person, they could harm themselves or someone else." 39; another. "
Under the new penalty proposal, called "crossroads while distracted", pedestrians could be booked even if they pbaded a pedestrian light.
The suggestion divided the opinion, with many Australians agreeing that it's up to the pedestrian to make sure they cross the road safely, while d & # 39; Others claimed that the idea was "ridiculous".
"On time, instead of reducing speed limits, the burden should be on pedestrians if they are not careful," said a Facebook user.
"It should be the same as drivers who use their phone while driving," suggested another.
Some have criticized the idea as a pure increase in income.
"Come on, what will happen with a fine for excessive use of air," asked one person.
Another added, "I must love a nanny state."
But Mr. Scruby responded to these accusations, saying the introduction of a fine would benefit those who act properly.
"In reality, the road toll costs us $ 30 billion a year, which everyone has to pay," he said.
"We say that the people who cause these problems should be those who contribute to the costs, not the average population."
The fines for crossing pedestrians when they are not supposed to cross a road fairly quickly range from about $ 40 to $ 80, depending on the state.
I think if most people had a $ 200 fine, they would think twice before doing it again, "said Scruby.
"I think they were fined $ 50, they do not care."
And it's not just the heavier fines that Mr. Scruby wants to introduce, he's also asking for 30 km / h speed zones in the CBD, countdowns for people waiting at pedestrian traffic lights, increased pbadage, a wait of 45 seconds for a green light pedestrian pedestrians to cross diagonally.
Source link
