Recently, the town Montclair in California has made it illegal to cross streets while talking on the phone, texting, and listening to the music with buds in both ears. Clyde Haberman, a journalist for the New York Times, addresses this topic in his article, “Do Not Read This Editorial while Walking.” In the article, Haberman discusses the new laws in places like Montclair and Honolulu which have made it illegal to cross the streets on the phone, with fines ranging from $100-$500. Haberman supports the new laws being passed and thinks it’s time for every local government to crack down on distracted walking, as many deaths could be prevented by pedestrians being more aware of their surroundings. Distracted driving is also mentioned, and Haberman condemns those who do so. Haberman goes on to discuss how distracted walking and pedestrian deaths have increased over the past few years, even though safer cars and road designs have resulted in a decrease in traffic deaths years before. Haberman refutes his points with the idea that inattentive driving can be deadlier than walking, and another idea that states with legalized marijuana have had a notable increase in pedestrian deaths. The article ends on the note that many teenagers and young adults approve of this idea and that it can possibly save lives.

In the article, Haberman uses lots of facts to back his argument and create logos with the reader. He brings the issue to the reader’s attention talking about how pedestrian deaths are rising, and how, “There were 5,987 of them [deaths] in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration” and expectations in “2017 will end up with a toll at least that high. That’s a rise of 22 percent from the 4,910 registered in 2014” (Haberman). The author uses these facts to show the reader that pedestrians are still in danger and are in more danger than ever in the modern age. He also appeals to the logos of the reader by refuting his support for the laws by the way these laws will be enforced, and how there would need to be a police officer at every corner. Also, Haberman talks about how many more pedestrians have died in states with legal marijuana, and how these laws may have no effect if most of the deaths.