Texting and walking can really be disastrous...and now Montclair CA has posted a notice on its website informing people that an ordinance took effect at the beginning of this year that bans pedestrians from looking down at their phones while crossing a street.
Residents also are not allowed to talk on the phone or have headphones in both ears while crossing.
City Manager Edward Starr explains, "The youth admit that they are distracted by their cellphones. This has turned out to be a reminder for them that their lives are on the line."
Currently the only penalty for a violation is a warning, but police will start handing out fines in August ($100 for a first-time violation, $200 for a second-time violation within 12 months, and $500 for each subsequent violation.) Honolulu added a similar ordinance last year. (UPI)