Government

Philadelphia to Fine Pedestrians for Texting: Government Overreach or Common Sense?

Philadelphia Fine Walkers for Texting

Philadelphia officials are in the early stages of initiating their “Give Respect, Get Respect” program to improve behavior of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians on city streets. Starting in August, an uptick in citations will be issued for cyclists riding in the wrong lane and even one for texting while walking. Citations will cost offenders up to $120.

CBS Philadelphia reports:


600 bicyclists have already been given warnings since the program started for violations like riding on the sidewalk or running red lights. Car drivers who dangerously text while driving and don’t respect the bike lanes will face similar penalties.

Those who text and walk will face citations as well. While many don’t see the harm in quickly responding to text messages or emails on the move, it was not too far from Center City Philadelphia where a woman mindlessly toppled into a mall fountain while texting and walking in Reading, PA.  As the “Splash Heard Around The World” video went viral, the human punchline of the video became frustrated, threatening legal action against mall security for posting the video on the internet rather than coming to her assistance when she fell. Earlier in the year, both New York and Arkansas lawmakers discussed establishing laws in their states taking aim at texting while walking, but both campaigns fizzled out as the year went on.

Philadelphia will use grant money to fund law enforcement looking for violators among the thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who roam the city streets everyday. There are already plans in the works to get another grant to extend the increased enforcement another 40 weeks.

What do you think?


Comments (113)

1 2 3 4
  • SavingtheRepublic.com
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:12pm

    Ive lost count at the amount of wrecks Ive almost been in b/c of the brainless on their cell phones. This texting thing is OUT OF CONTROL its not govt overreach its common sense as ppl have proven their inability to “walk and chew gum”.
    http://SavingtheRepublic.com

    Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • Steven63
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:22pm

      Just because one cannot ‘walk and chew gum’ at the same time does not mean they should be regulated and fined by the government. In your world perhaps we should install cameras in bathrooms and fine those that don‘t wash their hands or don’t raise the seat?

      People have the right to be stupid simply because you can’t fix stupid.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:33pm

      @steven63

      I totally agree with you. Next thing you know they‘ll install cameras in our houses and fine us when we don’t eat right. Of course, that would exclude Moochelle and Obummer. Liberals like to protect others, even against their will, but don’t tell them what to do. Are they going to also fine anyone who votes conservative? You’re right, people have the right to be stupid if they want to be. If you‘re involved in a car accident and it’s determined you were texting, maybe.

      Report Post »  
    • Stu Cozza
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:34pm

      If Filthydelphia wants to really add to its revenue, they should fine those who (simultaneously) text and chew gum. ;)

      Report Post » Stu Cozza  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:40pm

      @Savetherepublic

      You pick that name, yet u want the gov’t to fine people for walking down the street with their cell phone. You should change your name to SAVETHEDICTATORSHIP.

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
    • drphil69
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:59pm

      Yes, there are no other crimes in Philly, they should spend LOTS of money enforcing the no-texting-while-walking law. Who cares if there is a murder every other day when these morons are flagrantly texting and walking!! Way to go Philly! Now, you should just make it legal to do all those other things (drugs, robbery, assault, rape, murder) so the police can have their full attention on these dangerous texters!!!

      Report Post »  
    • old white guy
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:12pm

      it scares the sh-t out of me when i am approaching an intersection and see some idiot with headphones (ear buds) in and texting at the same time. you don’t know if the fool is going to see the proper traffic signal or just step out in front of you. bloody dangerous.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:18pm

      I’m sure they left out the part that this new law is for women only…

      Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:31pm

      Yea I am wrong and all about a dictatorship get real! I have been in a wreck b/c of an individuals stupidity, its not a pleasant experience. I am reminded of that wreck everyday with a back injury. All of you bashing me are all probably guilty of doing it. You are probably the ones I honk my horn at when you drift into my lane or walk right in front of me without looking both ways before crossing a street b/c you are too busy on the blanking phone!

      I have lost count at the number of wrecks, take note wrecks not accidents, I have dodged from b/c of some dope on a cell. Accident is a baby knocking a toy or bottle onto the ground, accident is someone slipping on ice or missing a step. One car hitting or almost hitting another is stupidity. I have seen ppl walking on a cell who continue on their way like no one is around, crossing streets cutting in lines etc etc. Its infuriating! When I have to make a call I get out of the way, stop into a quiet area, low foot traffic, SOMEWHERE PRIVATE! I never make a call in the car and if I do the speakerphone is engaged I get over to the slower lane just to be out of peoples way or pull over.

      So b/c I dont want to get killed or hurt again OR kill/hurt someone acting stupid on a phone not paying attention to then BE SUED I am the bad guy now!!! Again those attacking me YOU ARE PROBABLY ARE GUILTY of being on the phone! Dont talk trash to me if you havent been in a wreck due to someones stupidity, you dont know what you are talking abou

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • Lawlcat001
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:34pm

      sorry, but shut up.

      Report Post »  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:34pm

      Maybe if enough of these text addicted individuals are killed or seriously maimed by lack of attentiveness they should be fined at that point and made to pay their own medical bills and not have the taxpayers bail them out with Socialised healthcare. I say fix ‘em and fine ’em and jail ‘em if they can’t pay.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • melmatmic
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:49pm

      I agree with Steven. Let’s not regulate but at the same time do not fine someone who beats the crap out of an idiot that walks into them when texting or otherwise not paying attention to what they are doing.

      Report Post » melmatmic  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 2:13pm

      Ok fine since I am the bad guy here, lets not fine these people but make it clear if they get hit by a car or suffer some type of injury b/c their attention is more on the phone than their surroundings THEY CANNOT SUE ANYONE, they cannot benefit in anyway whatsoever up to and including govt medial aid for sustained injuries! Their phone & phone records will be immediately seized to prove they were on the phone. If they get hit by a car, trip, slip whatever they cant get any type of state or govt medical aid for their injuries; no Medicaid, Medicare etc etc. You get hit b/c you’re too busy texting then the bill for the cast on your leg or around your skull is solely on you! Oh and make a provision that they CANNOT FILE for bankruptcy. Make it clear their action have consequences. It makes no sense to “reward” someone with a lawsuit, medical aid or discharge of financial responsibilities b/c they CHOOSE to be an idiot putting others at risk.

      Now if their texting/phone activities cause another to suffer injuries their life is over and will be working for the rest of their miserable existence to pay the victim for life. So go ahead text to your hearts desire and talk to no end just understand I get hurt you will be my slave working every single day until the day you die!

      Is that better now? Fair, common sense solution in dealing with the galatically stupid?!

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 2:34pm

      To all of those bad mouthing Philadelphia: come down to South Street or Market Street and start talking trash about the city and see what happens…..

      I live in Camden, NJ and I have more love for Philly then any other big city in the nation. All of you who trash the city probably have never even visited. So shut your mouth if you opinion only comes from hear say.

      Focus on the issue at hand and not trash a city that you people obviously know nothing about.

      To hell with you all >.< (That includes you Glenn Beck for your constant mocking of the most historically significant city in America.)

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
    • 1proudAmerican
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 3:49pm

      @savingtherepublic.com
      I agree with your last comment. It should be like anything else – if it’s your fault, you pay. When I walk wearing earbuds, I pay attention to traffic and my surroundings and also remove the buds when I cross the road. I don’t think people who are responsible should be punished because of the stupid.

      Report Post »  
    • KPEdwards
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 3:58pm

      @savingtherepublic

      No, you are completely right. A lot of people seem to be framing this as people would get ticketed for walking down the street on the sidewalk and on the phone. It’s not. It’s people crossing the street and using them. Do people complain that jaywalking is illegal? Do people complain about how bucking your seat belt is the law? How about not crossing the double yellows? Are those some sort of government overreach?

      And to those of you who are complain, “don’t the police have something better to do?” It’s not like they are going to station cops on corners 24/7. Use some common sense – it just means they’ll just tell cops not to ignore it when they see it. Like how NYC had a crackdown on bikers and gave a lot of tickets to bikers for a period (some of which were unwarranted, but that’s a different matter).

      Report Post »  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 4:19pm

      @looktowardsthelight….Been there….Philly has some nice sections but honestly the area down by the the steak and cheese restarunts looks alot like someone set off a bomb…really.

      Report Post »  
    • joex51
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 4:32pm

      driving a car and texting is bad, walking an texting Not that much! the worse thing you can do is trip!

      Report Post »  
    • shadow19882
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 4:46pm

      My Father was hit and kill by a car~~was the driver texting~~NO~~was the driver talking on his cell phone~~No~~was he wearing his seatbelt~~yes~~was he paying attention to where he was driving~~~NO~`he was to busy putting his thruway toll ticket away. Did he pay oh Yes and I am sure he thinks about it everytime he pays his insurance bill. When driving a motor vehicle pay attention Government will never fix that no matter how many laws they make.

      Report Post » shadow19882  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 10:51pm

      @Bluefish49

      The same can be said of New York, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Kansas City, Cleveland, Detroit ETC. All places have the bad that goes along with the good.

      Bottom Line: This law is silly and is typical “Nanny State” nonsense we’ve come to expect from the Left. What holds the city back is it’s been run by progressive liberals for as long as I can remember.

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
    • jrmhrpr78
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:34am

      It is completely government overreach. Though I do agree people are idiots when on their phones, taking away freedom is not an answer to the problem. It scary so many of you are ready to vote yourselves right into a concentration camp. Let people make their mistakes. I’m sure if a moron texting walking down the street gets hit by a car, he’ll learn not to do it again.

      Report Post »  
    • John1863
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 8:15am

      Your lack of wanting liberty is scary, texting while driving is just plain stupid but to fine for texting while walking would get a peace officers a$$ kicked if it where me that was fined.

      Report Post »  
    • Tepeyac
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 10:05am

      Your right it is common sense! But …is it the governments job to regulate common sense! How far would you go with that? Maybe we should have cameras everywhere and be numbered so that when we don’t use common sense we can be ticketed by mail?

      Report Post »  
  • EJ1979
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:10pm

    Ive seen so many accidents from people texting, either in a vehicle, or pedestrians walking down the street into an intersection. There is no way this law could be enforced for every single person walking the streets in Philly. Just another way for the city to make money. I personally believe that texting and talking on the phone while driving should be illegal. I know my girlfriend does it with ease with an arm in the back seat breaking up the kids, a hand on the phone, and a knee steering the car…DANGEROUS!

    Report Post » EJ1979  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Texting while driving should be illegal as it does cause plenty of wrecks. In this article, some of these items are beyond governments reach and some of them are not!! So this is really a trick question – or survey! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1ay

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
  • ShyMan
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:08pm

    Liberals always think the solution to problems is to make laws so you can‘t do things instead of making a system so that you won’t do things.

    Report Post » ShyMan  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 2:22pm

      Number one, that’s technically unreasonable. Number two, those are all that different in results.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
  • sacklunch
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:07pm

    “Philadelphia will use grant money to fund law enforcement looking for violators among the thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who roam the city streets everyday.”– this is a big part of our problem. Why do cops need additional funding to be more alert? Every extra thing we do requires more funding. We’re spending ourselves into bankruptcy because we have elected a bunch of useless idiots.

    I also fear a lot of my conservative friends have been lead to believe as long as they aren’t democrat, thaings will be great. It’s the politicians, both left and right. We need a constant wave of fresh elected officials. This can reduce the corruption while at the same time bring in new and fresh ideas to accomodate our evolving world.

    Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:06pm

    The general population seems to be getting more irresponsible every day, and need a babysitter.
    That being said, the government is trying to find any way they can to pick our pockets. Whether through more taxes, fines, licences and surcharges. A kid can’t even have a lemonade stand anymore!
    And liberals scratch their heads and wonder what the Tea Party is all about!!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • ProPatriaVigilans
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:02pm

    Give respect, Get respect, How about respecting my Constitutional rights? Crap like this and the people who live there are the reason I don’t go into Philthadelphia.

    Report Post » ProPatriaVigilans  
  • cntrlfrk
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:02pm

    If they outlaw texting while walking, only outlaws will walk and text!

    .

    Report Post » cntrlfrk  
  • Jake in Denver
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:00pm

    It is already illegal for cyclists to use the wrong lane or sidewalk and to run red lights. Try enforcing the laws we have before making up new ones to ingore/selectively enforce.

    Report Post »  
  • CaughtNTheCrosshairs
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:00pm

    Yay, more ways for the city to attempt social engineering while generating revenue (taxing the people).

    Report Post »  
  • bbg1123
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:52am

    I’m uber conservative, but this is one of those cases where technology has been unleashed without any thought of consequence. It’s not unlike the changes that had to be made when we got off horses, and into cars. These devices can be dangerous, and costly. In my world, I’m constantly finding workers on my job standing looking at their screens rather than doing their work. When I drive, I see it all over, everywhere. Common sense with most people who get addicted to these devices, gets thrown out the window, and cause accidents. Cell phones were distracting enough, but these smart phones are incredibly dangerous, even for good multi taskers … I don’t have the answer, nor do I want to take anyones freedoms away, but if I get rear ended by some idiot who is texting, or sexting, I can’t say what I might do … but the phone will be smashed … at least. It’s an activity that can wait … period.

    Report Post »  
  • chirodoc007
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:50am

    This is another attempt by “Big Brother”. The “smart people” are again trying to protect the “little people” from themselves. The people of Philadelphia should be outraged and vocal.

    Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:56am

      just because 1 person can’t text and walk, noone can? so one bad apple spoils a bunch? that is what they are teaching? is that the moral lesson to be learned from this?

      Report Post »  
    • War_Eagle
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:05pm

      I lived in Philly for a couple of years. The entire city, from the mayor’s office on down is notoriously corrupt. The city council is corrupt to a degree that you‘d never believed half the stuff that’s gone on there. The police are nothing more than union thugs, the Parking authority manages to combine the corruption of the mafia with the incompetence of your average circus clown.

      A succession of corrupt Democrats (redundant, I know) has left the city in shambles. The only bright spot was Police Commissioner, John Timony, who was fired because John Street wanted to promote a black guy. Upon his inauguration, Street famously proclaimed, “The brothers are running this city now!” and he wasn’t kidding. He immediately turned the entire city into one big social experiment, promoting and installing blacks, regardless of skill or experience, and often at the expense of successful leaders, such as Timony.

      I lived in Philly once. And like falling into the septic tank when I was a kid, I don‘t have to jump back in to know it’s not a place I want to be again.

      Shame, too. Because for a while, it was a great city. Now, once the last pitch is thrown at CB Park, we fly out of there as fast as we can.

      Now, when we go to

      Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:45am

    The government should balance the budget, defend our borders, and stay out of our personal life choices.

    VOTE LIBERTARIAN!

    Report Post »  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:45am

    It just shows you how far government stupid will go to collect money.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • cntrlfrk
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:43am

    Good use of government resources

    /

    Report Post » cntrlfrk  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:43am

    There’s two sides for this .
    Here in my area the numbers of cyclists is increasing & 80% of them are not stopping for red lights or stop signs & cyclists like these are gonna ruined it for the rest of the serious road cyclists .
    But in most of the cases these days is the need of the city for extra money .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • NJTMATO
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:42am

    Pretty soon we‘ll be required to purchase ONE seater cars so we can’t talk to ANYONE while driving…there will be rules that we must walk on sidewalks in single file, silently….or we will get tickets for distracted driving and/or noise pollution with distracted walking. For crying out loud people, watch where you’re going, watch what you’re doing, take some responsibility for yourself and remember to perhaps be courteous to those around you!!!!!

    Report Post » NJTMATO  
  • jose wasabi
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:41am

    There is a law against riding a bike on the sidewalk, just enforce it.
    Bicyclists are also supposed to follow the same rules of the road as cars, so if they run a red light enforce the law.
    Why do we need any more laws or regulations? It’s like immigration, enforce the laws we already have.

    Report Post » jose wasabi  
  • hauschild
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:37am

    Who cares?

    I’m more concerned about how the republicans are gonna pull a fast one on us. They’ll have the vote for the CC&B, which is only to make us happy, then the real plan will get passed which will suck hind teat – because Boehner’s a chicken-crap, candy ass.

    All these idiots say we have to raise the debt ceiling, yet none of the dumb asses can point to ONE specific example, which would be detrimental to the average Joe. It’s pathetic and embarrassing, and hopefully this last charade will spell the end of the RINO‘s and progressive’s runs.

     
    • Tyr
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:03pm

      Agreed! Bohner and the Republican criminals in suits and ties will fold and then tout it as a great victory for Conservatives. I still say we need more truckers, bartenders, barbers, bikers, loggers, farmers, and just common blue collar men and women in the Congress. I’m pretty sure that the once the cute little, well groomed professional politicians (=criminals) pansies were out of D.C. alot more would get done. If it didn’t, I’m sure there would be some well deserved, old fashioned ass-whoopings right on the floor of the House and Senate

      Report Post » Tyr  
    • hauschild
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:34pm

      Seriously – after having been hoodwinked for 20 years by these eggheads, why in the world would anybody believe these idiots when they say, “Not raising the debt ceiling will have disastrous consequences.”, considering they are unable to provide SPECIFIC examples. They say interest rates will go up. I say, “Why? Where’s the evidence? How much will rates go up? How long would they stay up knowing that the government now has no blank check, so further debt is essentially stopped”

      We’re really being played and worse yet, most of the guys on our side like O’Reilley and Hume are humming the same lines as the White House. And, neither of these dudes can provide SPECIFIC examples of what would happen. It’s really incredible, if you think about it. Even bright, rich guys cower in the corners, also.

      So what if the market falls short term – it’s a complete disaster for years now anyhow; up one day, down the next – it’s a joke. I’d much rather have the market correct itself, whilst also knowing the market is now well aware that 40% of government spending has just been slashed, and the borrowing cannot continue. Longer term, markets go up wildly.

      I will adamantly oppose the raising of the debt ceiling until such time as people that get paid handsomely to have a clue can provide real and concrete reasons – not pie-in-the-sky gibberish and scare tactics – I’ve been around the bock too many times to fall for it.

      It’s all about long term.

      Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:34am

    If they let them get away with this. Then next they will start giving tickets for talking to someone when walking. Or you will get a ticket reading while walking. Or listening to a radio while walking. They will just keep on piling regulations and laws upon us unless we fight back.

    Report Post »  
  • Ron Staiger
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:33am

    Come to center city Philadelphia on any work day and take a close look at 99% of those bicyclists riding on the sidewalk. They are Mexicans. I guess there‘s no law against it in Mexico and they certainly couldn’t care less about our laws or they wouldn’t be here in the first place. Don’t believe me? Come here and check it out for yourself.

    Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:32am

    Let DARWIN take care of the stupid!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
  • bigfatslob
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:29am

    OVER REACH ! NANNY STATE ! BIG GOVERNMENT TAX ! Very Blue City in an important battle groung state !

    Report Post » bigfatslob  
  • calonzap
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:27am

    There is no way to educate a moron.

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:22am

    Government over reaction and overreach across the board. How soon will a government impose a tax for just breathing the cities air? A tax on air producing plants? A tax on plastic plants? Where does it stop with the levels of stupid, reckless government in any city and state?

    Two things need to be understood, first is that common sense cannot be legislated. Second is the fact we each need to take personal responsibility for our actions and what is going on around us.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:22am

    Philadelphia wants to “improve the behavior of motorists”, great. Now, how about the behavior of the rest of Philadelphia?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love