Lawmakers in the South Dakota House have passed a bill that would make texting while driving a criminal offense. This will raise the fine violators would face.
The current law includes a $100 fine for highway drivers who text. Under the considered legislation in Pierre, that fine will increase to $500 for all drivers.
Sheriff Limoges of Union County said other states across the nation are getting behind making texting while driving a criminal offense. He said it won’t completely stop drivers, but it’s meant to make people more aware of the consequences.
“[The] main goal is keeping people safe. If you’re distracted driving, texting is distracted driving, crashes are going to occur and injury and loss of life. People are still going to do it. Hopefully, we can touch base with the majority of the public that will listen and obey the law,” Sheriff Limoges said.
Shannon Larson said increasing the penalty to a criminal offense will make her think twice before texting and driving.
Read the full story at Siouxland Proud.