If you tried that in London, the police would be booking about 100 people per minute. Yes, it's stupid and inconsiderate, but if they get harmed it's their own fault. How do instill common sense into people? You can't because there are some very silly people around. Laws are there to protect people from others, but a simple "Watch where you are going" and a shove from me teaches them a lesson. I also see people walking and reading a book (really) and the deserve to get knocked over if they are in the way. Is there any point in creating a law to stop that?
Common sense is long gone. Unfortunately that seems to be the case in a lot of places these days, people can't or aren't allowed to think anymore.
I am guilty as charged. A bug has struck me lately and I can walk for long distances including at night texting and typing away on my phone. This especially occurs after dark when the screen is quite legible. To this end I would not support such a law but anyway I affirm it since it is meant for the greater good. Statistics have shown that pedestrian deaths outflank those of motorists. Laws themselves are fine but I think change of heart and mind initiatives geared towards personal safety on the road are more sustainable in the long run. On a lighter note, I have developed a capacity for monitoring oncoming vehicles with my ears.
I think that might be wise to have such a law. I mean people are likely to cause accidents fall into manholes and all sorts of things. I think having a law like this is necessary although it is a shame we have to legislate common sense. Common sense just isn't common enough anymore.
This is clearly government overreach. The government cannot and should not protect people from themselves. This is just another silly law that is unenforceable. Do I think it's a good idea to text and walk? Probably not, but it depends on the situation and how fast you are walking. Still, no reason for the government stick it's nose into this issue. It's involved in way too much already.
I say we build extra manholes and leave them without the covers, the problem will sort itself out in no time!