The State of New York is planning to ban people using iPods while crossing the road in an effort to reduce accidents.

The proposed legislation was introduced by State Senator Carl Kruger to combat what he refers to as "iPod oblivion". So far the legislation is only proposed for larger cities in the state.

"We are talking about people walking around 'tuned in' and, in the process of being tuned in, being 'tuned out' to the world around them," Senator Kruger told TV station WCBS.

"They are walking into speeding cars. They are walking into buses. They are walking into one another and it is creating a number of fatalities that have been documented right here in New York City."

Kruger urged iPod users to limit their activities to parks and benches, and to avoid endangering themselves and others by crossing streets while listening to music.

But the legislation has provoked an angry response from some New York residents.

"It is not a distraction," said one iPod-wearing woman. "You have your iPod in your ears and you're crossing the street. You are looking with your eyes. You don't have to hear anything, really ... I guess."

Smoking indoors and food outlets selling trans-fatty acids are also banned in New York.