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Texting while walking? You will be fined

Philadelphia's new law will fine Pedestrians who text while they walk
 Texting while walking? You will be fined
 
 

Philadelphia rolled out a program called "Give Respect, Get Respect,” last month which was "aimed at reining in bad behavior by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in Center City," according to CBS Philly.

Bicyclists riding in traffic blow through red lights, and cars drifting over into bike lanes—this is the kind of stuff Philadelphia wants to address. Up until now, the program has reportedly resulted in "mostly warnings" being handed out, but the city's preparing to start ticketing people.

“After the first several months of doing that, we really need to pick up the enforcement side and really get serious," said Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler.

So starting next month, fines of up to $120 will be levied against bicyclists "riding on the sidewalk or running red lights" and "drivers who don't respect the bike lanes," says CBS Philly.

But the crown jewel in this plan? "Pedestrians who text while they walk without looking ahead will also be targeted."

Look around the next time you're in a big city and notice how many people are looking at their phones, blissfully unaware of their surroundings. Then imagine each of them getting a $120 ticket. Philadelphia will surely be able to pave its streets in gold and its bike lanes in platinum.

The city is using grant money to "cover the costs of the increased enforcement," according to CBS Philly. They could seriously target only people who text while they're walking and hit their yearly revenue target within the first week.

And the most important benefit: not getting hit by cars or bikes or walking into poles or falling into holes.

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