Electronic Devices Face Restrictions in N.Y

Citizens all over America, Europe, Asia and beyond have embraced the invention of the iPod. A person hardly leave the house anymore without seeing someone listening to one or using one themselves. In fact, according to The New York Times, "Apple sold 32 million iPods, or one every second (in 2005)." (Darlin, The New York Times. Feb. 3, 2006). In addition, there had been a huge rise in popularity of all purpose phones such as the Blackberry, music playing phones such as Chocolate, available from Verizon and handheld gaming devices. According to USA Today, "Verizon says nearly five million customers already have music compatible phones"(Graham, USA Today). In addition, Nintendo has reported record sales from it's handheld device the Nintendo DS and it's newest release the Nintendo DS Lite. It seems that people just can't go anywhere with out their favorite high tech gadget in tow.

Unfortunately, citizens of New York may soon have to adjust to life without the constant entertainment of such items. While popular items like cell phones, Blackberries, iPods, mp3 players and video game devices such as the PSP (Playstation Portable) or the Nintendo DS are not being banned from the state they are facing restrictions on use. According to CBS2.com,

New York State Senator Carl Kruger will be introducing legislation in Albany, New York to place a $100.00 fine on citizens who use their iPods or cell phones while crossing city streets. The Senator claims that these devices are a distraction to pedestrians who should be focusing on the street traffic. He also explains that because of these distractions, there have been several accidents and fatalities to users and/or people involved in such accidents (CBS2.com). According to News.com the ban on attention consuming electronic devices would only be limited to major cities such as, "Albany, Buffalo and New York" (McCarthy, News.com). Needless to say however, legislation of this sort is bound to face many unhappy iPod and cell phone users who claim that these items are simply "not a distraction"(CBS2.com). Citizens of New York interview by CBS2.com even went so far as to say, "It's a terrible idea. It's outrageous"(CBS2.com).

While only time will tell if the type of legislation Senator C. Kruger is perusing will be successful, one thing is sure, Kruger faces an uphill battle with iPod, cell phone, and Blackberry users around New York some of which may be sitting in the Senate while legislation is presented.

1. Damon Darlin. "The iPod Ecosystem." The New York Times. 02/03/06.
Http://www.nytimes.com (Viewed 02/07/07).

2. Jefferson Graham. "Verizon calls on new phone to boost music sales." USA Today. 07/31/06.Http://www.usatoday.com (Viewed 02/07/07).

3. CBS2. "N.Y. May Ban iPods, Cell Phones In Crosswalks." CBS2.com. 02/07/07. Http://www.cbs2.com/national/topstories_story_038105638.html (Viewed 02/07/07).

4. Caroline McCarthy. "N.Y. lawmakers hopes to ban iPod use in crosswalks." News.com. 02/07/07. Http://www.news.com (Viewed 02/07/07)