Toronto already has the authority to legislate against texting while walking on the sidewalk and other walkways, the Ontario Transportation Minister says. Stephen Del Duca told reporters that it is up to the City if it wishes to do this. His remarks came after Council voted 19 to 10 to ask the government to examine such a ban. Global News noted that Josh Matlow (Ward 22) voted against the motion and said he was surprised that it had passed in council. He is quoted as saying: “I honestly I think the motion itself is a distraction, never mind preventing distracted walking,” he told Global News. “The police don’t enforce distracted driving and speeding well enough, never mind have the resources to go after everyone walking looking at their cellphones”
JAYWALKING IS SAFER
All of which is true but may not be the most compelling reason not to examine the matter. Police don’t enforce (or enforce very well) jaywalking and phone-distracted driving. It is easily argued that an alert jaywalker is many times safer than a texter wandering out into traffic at an intersection. It’s complex. Our 21st Century technology is the devil’s work, except when it’s a pleasant convenience. The South Bayview Bulldog is the heart and soul of personal freedom from government bureaucracy but as long as we profess to care about each other, there is cause for concern when it comes to distracted walking. .
DEL DUCA SAYS NO
But Ontario quickly made up its mind that everything is fine. It will not legislate a ban on walking and texting. Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca says pedestrians should keep their heads up while on the road and always be aware of their surroundings. So helpful. That should get through to practically no one.
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It’s now illegal to be stupid If this is the case Ottawa politicians should be doing weekend sentences.