Expert: 4 In 10 People Cross Manhattan Streets Against Light While Texting
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An expert on Monday said texting while walking is dangerous, but questioned whether a law against the practice is needed.
"If a person on the road -- whether walking or driving -- presents a risk to others on the road, there should be a law in place to dissuade and penalize risky behavior," Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, who sponsored the bill, told CBS2 on March 17.
As WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported, research shows four in 10 people cross Manhattan streets against the light while texting.
"I think it's really dangerous," said Corey Basch of William Paterson University.
Basch conducted the study, but she is not sure if a new law is needed.
"We generally from a public health point standpoint take steps – all the steps that we can just to raise awareness for such drastic measures," Basch said.
A date has not been set for when the New Jersey bill will be voted on.