Bill would ban use of headphones while crossing the street

A bill prohibiting pedestrians from using headphones while crossing the street is expected to go to a preliminary vote.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Police officer writing a ticket (illustrative photo) (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Police officer writing a ticket (illustrative photo)
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Crossing the street with headphones on could be a crime, if a bill by MK Hamad Amar (Yisrael Beytenu) becomes law.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the bill Sunday, which prohibits the use of cellular phones or headphones attached to any device that makes a sound while crossing the street.
Amar, chairman of the Knesset Caucus for Road Safety, said that the bill will prevent injuries and deaths of many pedestrians who do not pay attention to their surroundings while using their phones.
"From a security standpoint, there is no difference between using a cell phone while driving and using one while crossing the street," Amar said. "In both cases, the driver and the pedestrian are putting their lives in danger and that of those surrounding them."
According to the bill's explanatory portion, the popularity of electronic devices used today to send messages, e-mails and for other applications increases the danger to pedestrians.
Amar thanked the ministers for approving his bill and said he will do all he can to push it through the legislative process as quickly as possible. It is expected to go to a preliminary vote on Wednesday.
"It will be much safer for pedestrians crossing the street, even on a crosswalk, if they are not using their cellphones," he added.