The tragic death of a brilliant economics tutor early on Wednesday morning is not the first mobile phone casualty on Sydney’s roads, but what can we do to make it the last? (One of the state’s brightest minds lost in garbage truck hit, 14/2). Using earphones blocks out environmental noises, erasing critical sounds of danger. Whether driving or a pedestrian, the fast-moving urban streets are completely unforgiving. I’m sure my fellow pedestrians are equally annoyed when met on pavements with doddering, aimless, distracted iphone texters, intent on inconvenient body contact. The government does not need to proscribe the solution. Self-interest in avoiding death should be enough motivation. Stand still away from the main traffic flow to use your phones! Use only one earphone for music or calls when on the street. May the legacy of George Yuhan Lin be a real improvement in mobile phone use among the many students he taught and people he shared these streets with. RIP. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta. 15Feb2020.