Brooklyn senator Carl Kruger says three pedestrians in his area have been killed in the last six months after they stepped out into traffic listening to either their music player or chatting on the phone.

The incidents have prompted him to introduce legislation that bans the use of gadgets when crossing the street.

Senator Kruger says that during one of the incidents, bystanders called for the pedestrian to look out but they were unable to hear because they were distracted by they gadget.

People caught in the act will be fined US$100 under the proposed legislation.