Several cities in South Dakota have considered drafting ordinances that would ban texting while driving. Huron, Watertown, and Mitchell have all discussed the idea, and a texting while driving ban took effect just over a week ago in Sioux Falls. Lack of action regarding texting while driving at the state level has prompted these cities to consider passing their own ordinances. Senate Transportation Chair Mike Vehle (valley) of Mitchell says he understands the frustration.
Vehle says individual cities passing their own texting while driving laws would not be a good idea.
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/10/VEHLE-2-10-8-12.mp3|titles=VEHLE 2 10-8-12]One sticking point has been enforcement of such a law. Vehle says it is more about changing drivers’ mindsets.
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/10/VEHLE-3-10-8-12.mp3|titles=VEHLE 3 10-8-12]Another point made by those opposed to the law is that there are several other ways that drivers can be distracted. Vehle says texting while driving is a more dangerous distraction than others.
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