The word texting is so new that it is not recognized by software programs when you type it. Currently, it is suggested that I write testing in its place. Or maybe I’m supposed to write “sending text messages.” Either way, I’d better not do that (or contemplate it too much) if I am walking through Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Fort Lee’s police chief has seen his share of careless pedestrians texting or talking on the phone in his own town. He said he has counted 23 pedestrian accidents since January, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to three fatalities.

After trying pamphlets and brochures, he’s ordering his officers to ticket careless pedestrians on the spot.

Oh, but there’s only one catch — there’s nothing on the books outlawing being a careless pedestrian. But, just because something isn’t illegal, doesn’t mean it won’t be enforced as if it is illegal. Remember the police in Florida ticketing people for flashing their headlights to warn upcoming drivers of speed traps?

Maybe if we all stayed in bed all day, nobody would get ever hurt and no new laws would be passed restricting our freedoms. That’s probably the only way out of this whole situation.

Related posts:

1. Biking and Walking as Crimes
2. Texting While…Biking?