Earlier this year, a woman from Pennsylvania became a YouTube hit after she was caught on security cameras falling into a water feature inside a shopping mall. The reason for her public humiliation was not so much that she got wet – she did (very) – but that her accident was caused by her trying to send a text while walking. It was a slapstick gem that would have tickled Stan Laurel or Harold Lloyd.
But it would now appear that Pennsylvania is determined to put an end to such walking-texting (wexting?) accidents.
As part of a wider programme called "Give Respect, Get Respect", the good burghers of Philadelphia are cracking down on "distracted drivers, cyclists and pedestrians" by issuing more tickets. Mayor Nutter has denied reports this week that anyone caught walking and texting will be fined $120 (£85), but admitted that violators are now being "reminded to be more aware of their surroundings".
In Rexburg, Idaho, fines are already a reality. Since May, anyone found walking across a street while texting is subject to a $50 fine. Students in the college town seemed supportive of the law, when quizzed by journalists. One remarked: "I think it's a good rule so we don't get hit by cars."
"That would be hard for me because I'm addicted to texting," said another. "But I think it's a legit rule."
Luckily, there is an app for that. "Email'n'Walk" uses an iPhone's forward-facing camera to show the user where they are going while typing. The app carries a warning, though: "We can't take any responsibility for your stupidity, so please don't go walking into traffic, off of cliffs, or into the middle of gunfights while emailing."