FORGET THE DANGERS OF TEXTING WHILE DRIVING; HOW ABOUT TEXTING WHILE WALKING?

From: New York attorney Gary E. Rosenberg (personal injury and accident attorney and lawyer; serving Brooklyn Queens Bronx; Queens accident lawyer)

New York motorists can no longer read, write or send text messages or play games on their cell phones or computers while driving. New York State's Legislature found that text messaging is an unsafe distraction to drivers that can cause accidents and injuries and, effective November 1, 2009, enacted Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1225-d imposing a fine of up to $150.00 upon violators.

The law specifically apples to any "portable electronic device," which is defined as: a handheld mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with mobile data access, laptop computer, pager, broadband personal communication device, two-way messaging device, electronic game, or portable computing device.

The law does not apply if you're facing an emergency. But please Dear Readers, don't lie to the police if caught, for the consequences could be worse than just a traffic ticket.

This leads to my next topic and pet peeve: texting while walking - which can be equally as dangerous as texting while driving. I've almost hurt or killed pedestrians crossing in front of me against the light, while looking down and text messaging.

According to some doctors, many young texters are tumbling face down and injuring chins, eyes, and mouths, particularly if they trip while clutching - and trying not to drop - their cell phone. And while broken teeth can bring new business to dentists, pedestrians need to pay attention. And not trip on raised sidewalks or broken sidewalk gratings or other barriers or obstructions on the street. Or worst of all (or second worst after being hit by a car), trip over another pedestrian, hurting him or her.