If you don't like my walking, stay off the sidewalk. Watch video
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie is fond of saying that he can walk and chew gum at the same time. We may soon see how he feels about walking and texting.
Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) introduced new legislation on Monday that would penalize pedestrians who use non-hands free cell phones while walking on public sidewalks and along roadways the same way the state treats jay walkers. They'd be hit with a fine of up to $50 and possibly 15 days in jail.
A 2012 SUNY Stony Brook study found participants who were texting while walking "veered off course demonstrating a 61 percent increase in lateral deviation," suggesting cell phone use and texting creates significant difficulty in maintaining your course.
Lampitt did not return a call for comment.
Lampitt's bill (A3503) comes on the heels of a recent unsuccessful attempt by the Democratic-controlled New Jersey Legislature to heighten awareness about distracted walking.
In 2014, Assemblywoman Gabriela M. Mosquera (D- Gloucester) tried to designate September of each year as "Distracted Walking Awareness Month" but the bill died in committee.
Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.