Italy is taking a significant step to improve traffic safety by introducing fines for pedestrians who use their phones while walking. It is stated that pedestrians who are preoccupied with mobile phones or similar electronic devices while crossing the street risk both their own safety and the safety of other elements in traffic. The new draft road regulations prepared by the Italian Ministry of Transport contain very clear sanctions on this matter. According to the regulation, which is expected to be approved by mid-October, pedestrians who are preoccupied with their phones while crossing the street will be fined at least 75 euros.

A New Step in Traffic Safety

The main goal of the new regulation is to prevent accidents where drivers do not have enough time to react. A pedestrian focused on their phone screen may not be able to adequately monitor surrounding vehicles and traffic conditions while crossing the street, causing drivers to brake or maneuver suddenly.

However, this restriction does not prevent pedestrians from using their phones under all circumstances. For example, making phone calls with hands free is not prohibited.

Similarly, the use of headphones that do not prevent the pedestrian from hearing sounds around them is also permitted. The regulation only targets the act of crossing the road.

These restrictions are seen as a step taken to ensure that pedestrians focus on the road. It emphasizes that pedestrians should be attentive as well as drivers in traffic.

Exceptions and International Examples

These new restrictions, expected to come into effect, do not include pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. Only the use of a phone while crossing the street is prohibited.

Italy is not the first country to impose restrictions on walking while using a phone. Lithuania began imposing fines on pedestrians using mobile phones while crossing the street in 2018.

Honolulu in the United States and Yamato in Japan are also among the regions that have implemented similar sanctions for pedestrians. This decision by Italy is considered an indication that similar practices may spread to other countries.

These types of regulations regarding traffic safety focus on the shared responsibility of pedestrians and drivers. Italy’s step reshapes the daily use of technology within the framework of traffic rules.

Pedestrians focusing on the road is critically important in preventing accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic. This regulation aims to create a safer environment at pedestrian crossings.

Do you think these penalties for using phones at pedestrian crossings are a sufficient solution to reduce traffic accidents?

Italy is preparing to fine pedestrians 75 euros for using their phones while crossing the street. Here are the details of the new traffic regulation.