Talk about backwards logic. State Senator Carl Kruger is proposing a ban on using any sort of electronic device (ipods, cell phones, etc.) while crossing the street.

“Government has an obligation to protect its citizenry,” Kruger said in a telephone interview from Albany, the state capital. “This electronic gadgetry is reaching the point where it’s becoming not only endemic but it’s creating an atmosphere where we have a major public safety crisis at hand.”

“But what’s happening is when they’re tuning into their iPod or Blackberry or cell phone or video game, they’re walking into speeding buses and moving automobiles. It’s becoming a nationwide problem.”

Way to blame the victim, Carl. While people should pay attention on the street they should always have the right of way, whether they’re listening to music, jaywalking or on a flaneur stroll. Put more clearly and to the point:

“iPods don’t kill pedestrians. Cars and trucks kill pedestrians. So instead of blaming the victim, our elected officials should be passing tougher laws for reckless driving,” said Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives.