A New York state senator has proposed measures to ensure the safe use of electronic items such as iPods as residents walk around the city.
Carl Kruger has suggested that anyone who is plugged in to their MP3 player while crossing the road should be fined $100 (£51.35), in an attempt to prevent "iPod oblivion".
The ban would entail removing earphones while at crossings and would apply to MP3 players, mobile phones and Blackberry devices.
However, blogs such as the Unofficial Apple Weblog have suggested that a PR campaign urging people to turn down their music could be used to achieve the same objectives, rather than incriminating iPod users.
"Perhaps, instead of criminalising stupidity - which rarely works - a targeted PR campaign on the subways could remind iPod users to turn down and tune in while they navigate the mean streets," one writer on the website said.
Meanwhile, state senator Kruger said that the government "has an obligation to protect its citizenry".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
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