PSN ID
by 
Arkansas' iPod-toting runners and walkers can keep enjoying their tunes in both ears for the time being, but plugged-in New York pedestrians may not be so lucky.
Following a flurry of attention about the idea, an Arkansas state senator on Tuesday dropped his proposal to ban pedestrians from wearing headphones in both ears while on the street or sidewalk. A New York lawmaker proposing another restriction aimed at distracted pedestrians scoffed at the idea of backing off.
Arkansas Sen. Jimmy Jeffress said he didn't originally think that his proposal would have passed the Legislature, but at least wanted a conversation about the dangers of pedestrians paying more attention to their gadgets than their surroundings.
"I got the dialogue before I got it to committee," Jeffress said shortly before withdrawing the proposal he introduced less than a week ago.
Jeffress, a Democrat from Crossett, acknowledged that he was backing away from the idea partly because of backlash from opponents of the ban. Jeffress' proposal, which did not specify any penalty, would have allowed pedestrians to listen to music in one earphone.
"I've had about half a dozen positive hits on it and ten times that many against it. That's the thing," Jeffress said. "I think it's just time to let everybody know to quit e-mailing me."
A New York lawmaker who's proposed a ban on pedestrian use of electronic devices while crossing the crosswalk of cities with a population of 1 million or more rebuked Jeffress for backing down on his idea.
"I don't know the legislator, but shame on him because in the process that goes forward it's not a question of whether or not you pass a bill," said Sen. Carl Kruger, a Democrat from Brooklyn. "You also file a bill because it may be a cornerstone for others to use."
Kruger, who has been pushing for the ban since 2007, said he thinks he can pass the measure this year and is hoping to soon hold a hearing on his legislation. Kruger said he believes the issue of distracted pedestrians is gaining attention nationally and giving him momentum for his cause.
"It's important to press the issue, because it's an issue worthy of the pressure," Kruger said. "There is a definite, demonstrated need for this legislation."
Kruger has said he's pushing for the restriction because of a series of accidents in his district involving distracted pedestrians.
The proposed restrictions come as safety advocates say they're worried about a slight increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities. The Governors Highway Safety Association earlier this month reported that pedestrian fatalities rose slightly in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. If the second half of the year shows no change, the group said, it would mark an end to four years of decreases.
Nationally, pedestrians make up about 12 percent of traffic fatalities, the group said.
source
