Photo by aspecimenlife

Earlier this week, the Examiner reported that the Council for Court Excellence is asking the District to impose laws that punish not only distracted drivers—but also distracted walkers and cyclists:

The group made up mainly of lawyers, judges and business leaders calls for the D.C. police to increase its traffic safety unit. It recommends the city ban all electronic devices in moving cars — a step further than the current rule requiring hands-free devices for cell phone users. It also seeks to limit such devices for bicyclists and most notably for pedestrians when they cross streets.

Of course, there’s little likelihood that a law targeting the use of smart phones and iPods by walkers and cyclists would ever get anywhere, but that’s not stopping D.C. police from encouraging them to remain as alert as drivers are expected to:

If you are reading this while driving, biking or walking – you are endangering yourself and others/4385

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) March 16, 2012

Well played, MPD.