[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In an effort to reduce pedestrian accidents and injuries, Honolulu has enacted a law designed to discourage distracted walking. The law allows police officers to issue tickets to any pedestrian checking their phone while crossing the street. Honolulu implemented the law as a response to having a large number of pedestrians struck by a vehicle while in a crosswalk.
Passed in July, the distracted walking law requires a minimum $15 fine for first-time offenders with repeat violations costing as much as $99. The law is controversial; reports have shown that most pedestrian fatalities are caused by distracted driving, not distracted walking. Several major cities have tried to pass similar laws, but were not successful. The results of the Honolulu law will be watched carefully around the country. Should the law prove successful in reducing pedestrian injuries and deaths it's highly likely that other jurisdictions will follow suit.
In Los Angeles, pedestrians are only involved in about 14 percent of auto accidents, but make up almost 50 percent of auto accident fatalities. Six percent of streets throughout the city are responsible for about 67 percent of fatalities. Any possible actions taken to reduce pedestrian fatalities, including Los Angeles' Vision Zero plan, is worth the chance.
If you've been injured in an accident as a pedestrian or driver, call the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth today at 888-517-9888 for a free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
