egislation to ban or limit the use of cellular phones while driving arises again in the next state legislative session.
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has signed into law a bill that will make it a crime to send text messages while driving. In addition, anyone younger than 18 is prohibited from using a cellular phone while driving.
In South Dakota, state Sen. Cooper Garnos, R-Presho, said he also expects to see some sort of legislation regarding cellular use while driving to appear in next year’s session. Garnos is a former chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, while Vehle is the current chairman.
In 2004, legislators rejected a bill that would have made it illegal for drivers with minor’s permits to operate a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications devices except to report an emergency. The bill was killed in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Garnos said cell phone usage can sometimes be a factor in accidents, but he also feels the argument is one of safety and individual rights.
“To me, it’s common sense (that) if you’re going down the road 75 miles per hour, you probably shouldn’t be texting somebody or … be on the cell phone,” Garnos said. “How far do you go and how far do you legislate common sense?”
Vehle said potential legislation should take into account the differences between rural and urban settings in the state.