Distracted Walking Could Cost You Money Under Proposed Law In CT

HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut already has a law to cover distracted driving and similar rules would apply to pedestrians who are crossing the street if a new bill passes.

Those found to be crossing the street and viewing a mobile electronic device would be subject to a warning for the first offense then a $20 fine for each subsequent offense. It wouldn’t apply to people who are using a device to make emergency communications.

The bill cleared a committee vote 21-15. It would need to be passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor before it became law.

State Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) said he started off in favor of the bill, but changed his mind once he heard more testimony. He questioned how often the law would be enforced.

“We take a step back and realize maybe it’s common sense we are trying to legislate,” he said.

State Rep. Roland Lemar (D-New Haven) said he went the opposite way and now supports the bill. At first he thought the bill sent the wrong message to drivers, but later decided it helps enforce the shared responsibility everyone has in keeping roads safe.

Enforcement would likely be more of an ancillary matter where a ticket could be issued after a crash involving a distracted walker, said Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Carlo Leone (D-Stamford

“This is really about trying to protect the person who should be aware when they are putting them self in front of a two or 3three-ton vehicle barreling toward them at a crosswalk,” Leone said. “If they are not paying attention they will lose that battle.”

Montclair, CA has a distracted walking ordinance that comes with a $100 initial fine and $200 and $500 fines for subsequent offenses. Honolulu, Hawaii also has a distracted walking ordinance that comes with a $15 to $35 fine for the first offense and escalating fines after that.

Connecticut’s distracted driving penalty is a $150 fine for the first offense, $300 for the second offense and $500 for third and subsequent offenses.

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