HONOLULU -- Walking and texting can be a deadly combination, which is why this Hawaiian city is cracking down on distracted pedestrians.
Starting Oct. 25, Honolulu will become the first American city to make it illegal for people on foot to cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device, CNN reports.
"Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to pass, that perhaps common sense would prevail,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell at a bill-signing ceremony. "But sometimes we lack common sense.”
Caldwell said so many people were getting hit in crosswalks that the law was necessary. Fines will range from $15 to $35 for the first offense, $35 to $75 for a second offense and $75 to $99 for the third offense.
Pedestrians may still chat on the phone while crossing a street or look at phones while on the sidewalk. Just remember to look both ways before you cross, like your mama taught you years ago.
