Experts say distracted walking is a growing problem, as people of all ages become more dependent on electronic devices for personal and professional matters. They also note pedestrian deaths have been rising in recent years. In 2005, 11% of all US deaths involved pedestrians, but that number rose to 15% in

The rise in deaths coincides with states introducing bills that target pedestrians. Some states, such as Hawaii, Arkansas, Illinois, Nevada and New York, continue to introduce legislation every year.

The measure recently introduced by New Jersey assembly woman Pamela Lampitt would ban walking while texting and prohibit pedestrians on public roads from using electronic communication devices unless they are hands-free. Violators would face fines of up to $50, 15-day imprisonment or both, which is the same penalty as jaywalking(乱穿马路). Half of the fine would be allocated to safety education about the dangers of walking while texting, said Lampit.

Some see the proposal as an unnecessary government overreach, while others say they understand Lampitt's reasoning. But most agree that people need to be made aware of the issue. "Distracted pedestrians, like distracted drivers, present a potential danger to themselves and drivers on the road," Lampitt said. "An individual crossing the road distracted by their smartphone presents just as much danger to motorists as someone jaywalking and should be held, at minimum, to the same penalty."

The main question raised about the measure, though, is whether it can be enforced consistently by police officers who usually have more pressing matters to deal with. Some feel that rather than imposing a new law, the state should focus on distracted-walking education. Lampitt said the measure is needed to stop and penalize "risky behavior." She cited a National Safety Council report that showed distracted-walking incidents involving cellphones accounted for an estimated 11,101 injuries from 2000 through 2011.

The study found a majority of those injured were female and most were 40 or younger. Talking on the phone was the most prevalent activity at the time of injury, while texting accounted for 12%. Nearly 80% of the injuries occurred as the result of a fall, while 9% occurred from the pedestrian striking a motionless object. 

 36.This passage is mainly concerned with _____