We have heard about the case several times, but only now the details have emerged. The Ministry of Infrastructure, with a view to improving the safety of pedestrians crossing the road or track, will supplement Art. 14 of the Act – Road Traffic Law. An important part of it will be the ban on using smartphones while crossing the street, even within the marked crossing. An interesting point is that the provision will not only apply to smartphones, as it will also apply to other mobile devices that impair proper perception, especially the visual one. The regulations will come into force exactly two weeks after their publication in the Journal of Laws.

Sooner or later it had to happen. The Ministry of Infrastructure prohibits pedestrians from crossing the road and track when using a smartphone or other similar electronic device.

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Such solutions are already present in other countries, therefore the proposal of the Ministry of Infrastructure is not surprising. Although I am a supporter of far-reaching “freedom”, and the smartphone is almost glued to my hand for most of the day (outside of work), I consider regulation necessary. Mobile devices have become extremely important objects for us, which, unfortunately, effectively cut off from the outside world. This is a good thing in many cases, but crossing a road or track with a smartphone in front of your eyes or even against your ear is not a good idea.

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Distraction is easy and a potentially tragic accident involving a pedestrian, car or train, or even a tram. So the ban makes a lot of sense and could have a positive result. It is worth being aware of the fact that updating the provisions of the act also applies to marked crossings for pedestrians, and not only roadways and tracks as such. I am a little afraid of only one thing. It’s about our compatriots’ approach to the recipe. The attitude to a similar prohibition relating not to pedestrians but drivers is often disrespectful, which is a pity.

Source: Ministry of Infrastructure