New York mulling law to prevent listening to iPods while crossing streets

New York (NY) - New York State Senator Carl Kruger, from Brooklyn, is set to introduce a bill today that would fine New Yorkers $100 to any pedestrian who crosses a street while listening to an iPod or talking on a cell phone.

Kruger says that three people have been killed by stepping out into traffic, while using an electronic device. In one case, people around the victim screamed for him to look out, but had his music turned up too loud to hear anything.

"Government has an obligation to protect its citizenry. This electronic gadgetry is reaching the point where it’s becoming not only endemic but it’s creating an atmosphere where we have a major public safety crisis at hand," Kruger was quoted in a Reuters interview.