Ontario politician wants ‘zombie law’ to bar phone use while crossing roads
TORONTO — A proposed law targeting distracted pedestrians will open up a broader debate about the risky behaviour, an Ontario politician advocating for a “zombie bill” said Monday.
Liberal backbencher Yvan Baker said the bill — called the Phones Down, Heads Up Act — would impose fines for anyone caught using a cellphone or electronic device while crossing the street.
Named after the shambling supernatural creatures, the “zombie bill” would encourage pedestrians to put down electronic devices by imposing fines ranging from $50 for a first offence to $125 for a third offence.
“If you walk the streets, you see people on their cellphones crossing the road using their phones,” Baker said. “Experts tell us that if you are distracted as a pedestrian that you are more likely to get hurt.”