A Toronto-area MPP is introducing a private member’s bill to curb distracted walking.
Officially called the Phones Down, Heads Up Act, and unofficially dubbed the “zombie law,” the bill targets pedestrians who check their phones while crossing the street.
“You hear about pedestrians getting hit all the time,” a Peterborough resident said. “Walking across the crosswalk with their face in their phone.”
Under the proposed legislation, scofflaws would be fined $50 for the first offence, $75 for the second and $125 for the third.
“My primary goal here is to make pedestrians aware of the risks of crossing the road while distracted by phones and other electronic devices,” said Etobicoke Centre MPP Yvan Baker, who’s behind the bill. “My bill would strengthen road safety by encouraging pedestrians to keep each other safe, and it would save lives.”
“I do think it is a bit of a steep fine,” one pedestrian said after hearing the news. “But something needs to be done.”
There are exceptions built into the legislation.
Road crossers can use their phones to call emergency services, and anyone who starts a conversation before crossing the street won’t have to hang up. Municipalities can also opt out of the proposed law.
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