Regulating Smart Phone Usage While Walking (Midterm Topic)

Regulating Smart Phone Usage While Walking

Recently, a pedestrian in a car accident sued the driver and demanded medical expenses, but the pedestrian lost the case as the court concluded that the accident was due to the pedestrian's carelessness from looking at his phone. The number of such car accidents owing to the use of smart phones while crossing roads has been increasing. Also, it was reported that over 95% of citizens had used smart phones at least once while they are walking. Some foreign countries such as the U.S or China have responded to the issue by prohibiting pedestrians from simultaneously walking and using phones, or running campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers. Some states in US started regulating smart phone usage while walking in spite of an opposition from many people.

In this regard, I would like to say we need specific regulations for smart phone users as well. 

First of all, in Korea, accidents caused by the usage of smart phone when people walk have been dramatically increased comparing to any other nations in the world. This is a severe problem, but no one seems notice it. Too many patients are headed to hospitals because of those accidents, leading to waste medical insurance premiums.

Second, we have to aware that pedestrians have to keep eyes forward when they cross roads. This is a basic responsibility as a pedestrian. However, people do not fulfill their duties. To regulate the usage of smart phone can give them an alert.

Opponents might think this is an invasion of privacy. This problem goes way far severe and increased than just leave it as an individual issue. Too much money is wasted, too many people are injured or killed. We should not let this vicious circle continue. It is time our government to act.