Distracted Italian pedestrians who cross road while on phone could be fined under new code
Italy is drafting a new highway code that would impose fines on pedestrians who use mobile phones while crossing the street. The measure aims to reduce accidents caused by distracted walking, though hands-free calls and emergency use will remain permitted.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global trend of governments legislating against 'distracted walking' to improve public safety in increasingly digital environments.
Pedestrians will still be able to have hands-free conversations while crossing the road, and can use their phone in an emergency. Pedestrians will still be able to have hands-free conversations while crossing the road, and can use their phone in an emergency. Italy Distracted Italian pedestrians who cross road while on phone could be fined under new code Updated draft highway code follows several court rulings assigning blame for road accidents to careless pedestrians
Prefer the Guardian on Google Italy’s updated highway code will target pedestrians who stare at their mobile phones while crossing the road, as the country’s transport ministry strives to improve road safety by cracking down on perilous distractions.
The offence, contained in a draft version of the highway code which is expected to be approved by mid-October, carries fines of €75 or more.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in