New York and other states may soon enact laws forbidding the dangerous practice. Countless times on travels in busy cities I’ve almost collided with clueless texters blocking the sidewalk, either standing stupidly in the middle or shuffling along into foot traffic with eyes glued to little boxes.

Also I hold my breath as distracted texters cross busy streets with little awareness of traffic. Several weeks ago in New York City, I passed a distressed woman sitting on the curb while an ambulance crew examined her injured arm and neck. She was a texter who had been hit while crossing the street. Fortunately for her, she had collided only with speedy, equally stupid scooter riders, who were busy sexting.