Should using phones when crossing the road be fined?

Editor's note: From Jan 1, the traffic police in Wenzhou began levying fines on people who use smartphones while crossing the road. That new regulation is aimed at reining in what many see as an increase in traffic accidents caused by smartphone use. Forum readers share their opinions.

cmknight (Canada)

Ontario is bringing in a law like this as well, a 50 Canadian dollar fine for texting and walking, and I agree with it wholeheartedly. Too many people can't put their phones down for 30 seconds while they cross a street. Most of them don't even look up to see if the walk light is on. They just go around everybody and step out onto the road. It's already illegal in most places to use your mobile phone while driving, so this is a good next step.