A bill has been introduced by House Speaker Brian Gosch of Rapid City that would restrict local governments from regulating distracted or inattentive driving. Rapid City Police Chief Steve Allender said that not only is HB 1177 irresponsible, but is in direct opposition to what’s needed. He stopped short of accusing the Speaker of dishonesty, but said it’s at best based on mistaken beliefs or inadequate evidence ….
Allender said the legislation puts law enforcement in a position to only react instead of being proactive. Allender said that Gosch and all of those members who will not support or even advocate for a texting bill are not representing the greater good or the greater population…
Allender said will be in support of a bill expected to be introduced by Senator Mike Vehle that would regulate texting while driving. Currently seven cities in South Dakota including Huron, ban texting and driving by local ordinance. Box Elder is on its way to being the eighth.
(courtesy KOTA Rapid City)