Experts have said distracted walking is a problem around the globe, as people are becoming more and more dependent on electronic devices for personal and/or professional matters.
Deaths among pedestrians have rose throughout the last few years. In 2005, 11 percent of all fatalities involved pedestrians and that number rose to 15 percent in 2014.
The bill was introduced by Pamela Lampitt, and her bill would impose a fine of $50 and/or 15 days in jail. That is the same fine for jaywalking.
Lampitt said half of the fine would be used to pay for safety educations about the dangers associated with texting while walking.
She added that distracted pedestrians present a potential danger to themselves and drivers. She said a person crossing the road presents just as much danger to motorists, when the person walking is distracted.
Lampitt said her proposal is needed to penalize risky behavior. She also cited a report by the National Safety Council, which showed that from 2000-2011, distracted-walking incidents involving cellphones accounted for more than 11,000 injuries.
As of now, a hearing on the proposed New Jersey bill has not been scheduled.
