NY State Sen. Carl Kruger proposes ban on handheld devices

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By Steve Ragan Feb 8, 2007, 17:14 GMT

Sen. Carl Kruger (D), filed the proposal, first reported by WCBS in New York, to include distracting handheld devices. BlackBerry’s, cell phones, portable gaming systems, and the one to gain the most media attention, the iPod, are all listed as devices that will earn a person using them a trip to court and a $100 fine. That is, if the proposal passes.This isn’t the first time states have targeted devices and limited their use. Many have adopted a cell phone ban that blocks their usage in automobiles. That law, many agree was a smart one. Far too many people cause accidents by not paying attention while talking on the phone and driving at the same time. Kruger drafted the ‘iPod’ Bill after two people from his district were recently killed while crossing the street using handheld devices.“You shouldn't be crossing streets and endangering the lives of yourself and others. They walk into speeding cars. They walk into buses. They walk into each other. It’s creating an atmosphere where we have a major public safety crisis at hand.” Sen. Kruger said. Cell phones in cars are one thing, banning the use of any device while on foot is another. Many who were interviewed by the New York news station, WCBS-TV, reacted exactly the way as many who have commented on this story have across the web.One wonders why our senators focus on “iPod Oblivion” when there is a war to finance and a national debt to consider. This is also known as the ‘more important political topics to debate’ mindset many in the US share when news like this is reported.A quick dig on Blogger, Technorati, or a number of blog sites show a backlash at the proposal that many who are in public office tend to avoid at all costs. Some of the comments are outright humorous, and others are simple flames to the Senator. Said one Brooklyn NY resident, “Let's be perfectly clear... this doesn't stand a CHANCE. Carl Kruger is a State Senator (representing Brooklyn), and he's probably trying to get his name in the papers. Do you really think that ANYONE in NYC is going to support a ban on cell phones and iPods?”Another comment went for the obvious joke, “Anyone who is dumb enough to not look both ways before crossing the street in the middle of the Big Apple probably had their impending death coming for 'em. I don't think we need laws to protect the lesser gene pool members in New York. That is what the grill of a yellow taxi cab is for.” While morbid, this opinion is one that many share after reading a few blogs.No one will discount the loss of the two Brooklyn lives. Those accidents were a tragedy. The proposed law would have little impact to the safety of citizens of New York. Cars, bikes, joggers will strike people, no matter how many laws you pass. The intent for the proposed law is a good one. It just doesn’t go about it the right way. Instead of enforcing laws on the people who walk while listening to music, or talking on the phone, why not tighten laws on drivers who are not aware of what is around them. Walkmans and portable CD players were around long before the iPod, there were no laws then. The iPod proposal will likely fail. Then again, the proposal to ban ‘artificial trans fat’ was supposed to fail as well. The New York City Council passed it. Now it is a national ban.

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joeypFeb 8th, 2007 - 17:56:41

Anyone ever heard of natural selection? If they are getting themselves killed it's good for the gene pool.

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AaronFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:02:22

I cannot believe the words 'crisis' arose in this article. I have an mp3 player and a cell phone here in vegas and I can still be aware of my surroundings when i walk or take the bus anywhere, these people are to easily distracted. Now, the use of a cell phone in a car i can understand, but what about GPS navigators and blue tooth headsets? Technology is advancing to quickly and soon supposed bans like this won't be necessary

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MeFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:03:02

It is rather obvious that Mr. Kruger has Ipod Envy. He probably doesn't even know how to use it or any of the other 'new-age' technologies such as a Wal-Man.

This is the same idiotic reasoning that would be used to ban jewelry in public. Someone might be blinded by a flash coming of those sparkly ear rings and make you step into the street to avoid the glare and Gasp!!! get hit by a car.

If someone is so absorbed in his or her 'sound producing device' that he loses all senses, maybe we should clasify this as a controlled substance and charge people for DU-I(pod)'s.

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Luke ArcherFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:05:13

My stomach is churning as I read this article. It is an invasion of personal rights and a typical example of government overstepping their bounds. What's next- a ban on hats that may block someone's view or perhaps a ban on sunglasses? Why not just ban walking on street altogether? Does anyone actually feel this is a product use of our tax dollars? I think I am going to go throw-up.

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Lola WilliamsFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:05:55

Why not get rid of guns first!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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DSFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:12:21

One thing to think about...
With this law in place, the next time someone gets squashed because they were walking in traffic, the city will probably be able to go after the pedestrian for money(more than $100) in court because they were breaking the law.

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SteppieFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:13:12

In the name of his Majesty - Safety!

This is kinda similar to 'alcohol related vehicular accidents', which according to such statements amount to 50% of all fatalities. The conclusion is that drinking and driving do not mix well.

Gee, if people stopped driving all 100% of vehicular accidednts would be eliminated.

Why is that Kruger considers hend helds for deaths of those people, when it is the vehicles that killed them, or those driving them? Therefore, driving is what it should be banned - in the name of Safety!

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Jim AdamsFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:17:26

New York State is the highest taxed state in the country. There are no jobs in upstate New York and our residets can not leave fast enough. This Senator like all our Representatives in Albany do not have an answer for our Real problems, but isnt it funny that they come up with idiotic laws like this. They like to let us poor serfs know they care about our well being.
As our New Govenor stated upstate NY is like Appalachia.

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bobFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:18:11

this is probobly one of the more stupid things i had heard...i will have to agree with the natral selection idea, if they are stupid enough to cross a bust street and not look around first, i dont want them breeding.

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joyceFeb 8th, 2007 - 18:21:52

Are we allowed to talk to a friend that is walking with us? Then why shouldn't we talk on the phone? A live friend can be a whole lot more distracting than an iPod or cell.

We could require a common sense competancy test before allowing people to leave their homes without supervision. Oh, wait, that would mean most of our politicians couldn't go to work.

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NY State Sen. Carl Kruger proposes ban on handheld devices

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