Well, whenever I think the British nanny state really can't get more ridiculous, they prove me wrong. The latest act of "genius" for wrapping the populace in absolute safety from their own stupidity? Wrapping lampposts and other hard objects on the street with padding. Why? Well, to prevent people who are walking while sending text messages from hurting themselves.
Britain's first 'Safe Text' street has been created complete with padded lampposts to protect millions of mobile phone users from getting hurt in street accidents while walking and texting.
Around one in ten careless Brits has suffered a "walk 'n text" street injury in the past year through collisions with lampposts, bins and other pedestrians.
The 6.6million accidents have caused injuries ranging from mild knocks and embarrassing cuts and bruises through to broken noses, cheekbones and even a fractured skull.
Almost two thirds – 62 per cent – of Brits concentrate so hard while texting that they lose their peripheral vision, researchers found.
Given the apparent dangers of "unprotected text", over a quarter of Brits – 27 per cent – are in favour of creating a 'mobile motorway' on Britain's pavements.
Texters could follow a brightly coloured line, which which would act like a cycle lane, steering them away from obstacles.
Oh, that will be so much fun. I can already see pranksters painting new lines so texters will be led into caroming off various padded objects. It'll be a game of pedestrian pinball.
It is not the place of government to take away people's responsibility for their own stupid actions. If they walk into enough lampposts, they will either learn to stop walking and texting or they'll break their silly cell phone. Government should not be enabling foolish behavior.
painting new lines so texters will be led into caroming off various padded objects
Ike and Mike, we think alike.
That was my very first thought on reading this; how to Wil. E. Coyote it.
Padding is the wrong way to go. Use spikes – long sharp pointy iron spikes.
So it is true…all European culture and intelligence died in the ovens.
Their main motivation is probably to reduce trips to the medical clinics which the government pays for. Maybe there should be an exclusion in socialized medicine for "moron" injuries, also known as the "not watching where you’re going while you’re walking" concussion. This is the same nanny state baby sitting that Hillary and Barak want to impose on Americans.
Great minds think alike, Uncle Pinky. I immediately started imagining painting elaborate loops and curves into the lines so they’re all wandering around looking like some huge brownian movement.
Seriously, what is the great attraction to "texting"? You’re standing there with a telephone in your hand, here’s an innovative thought – call the person for cripes sake! It’s faster and you don’t have to deal with trying to type out messages with those little teeny keys.
That does it. I’m moving to England.