 |
 |
|
Senator Kruger proposed legislation against iPods and other devices. |
"I think it's necessary if we just look at the statistics that bear out the argument that people, while being too into their electronic gadgetry, are tuning out the rest of the world. They are becoming a statistical fatality. They are being part of an accident scene. They are basically jeopardizing their well-being as well as the well-being of others around them," Kruger said in an interview with FOX News.
"The punitive aspect of the legislation is not as important as raising the bar on the public awareness of the jeopardy that people are putting themselves [in] by using the electronic gadgets," he continued. "We see time and time again people crossing the street text messaging, reading their e-mails, making telephone calls, listening to their iPod, and ridiculous as it may sound, even playing video games, and the net result is a serious public safety issue."
While Kruger's proposed legislation may sound a bit silly, there could actually be some value to it. He said he got the idea for the legislation after he learned about a young man from Brooklyn who was listening to an iPod and got hit by a bus. He said there have been other incidents in addition to this one. If this is true and the number of electronic device-related injuries is on the rise, then Kruger's legislation could be beneficial.
Some people think the legislation is smart and feel it is the government's responsibility to look out for the safety of its citizens. Some people think each individual has the responsibility of looking out for him or herself, and if he or she doesn't pay attention when crossing the street, he or she should have to suffer the consequences. Others think that it's the makers of these devices that should bear the responsibility of warning the public about safety hazards to be aware of while using the device.
However, Kruger is not only concerned with the safety of the people listening to the iPods or talking on the phones, but also with the safety of the people they might cause to get into accidents. For this reason, he has proposed the legislation, which he feels will benefit all parties.
|
