Currently, five South Carolina cities – Camden, Clemson, Columbia, Sumter and West Union – have banned texting while driving. With a bit of convincing, such ban could become statewide in the next few weeks.

Members of the House of Representative in South Carolina have voted in favor of making texting while driving illegal in a 93-15 vote. As per House Bill 4451, getting caught texting while driving would translate into fines up to $150. While the original bill version included several dissuasive measures such as higher fines and imprisonment for causing an accident while texting, a heavily amended version of the bill was eventually the one approved by Representatives.

For the bill’s sponsor, Don Bowen, it is time for South Carolina to act up on such a dangerous habit.

“It’s about technology getting ahead of keeping our roads safe,” he said. “No texting while driving is a no brainer.”

Some, such as Rep. Boyd Brown, still think the bill should not restrict itself to texting, but that instead it should cover all driving distractions.

“We need to be introducing meaningful legislation not piecemeal legislation,” he said.

The bill is now being sent to the Senate where it might face some strong opposition. In 2010, a similar bill was approved by the House only to be rejected by members of the Senate.

Source:  The Item, March 8, 2012

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