South Dakota Young Driver Cell Phone Ban
By Matt McCormick, State Farm Insurance Agent, Rapid City, SD
A young driver cell phone ban has been introduced in the South Dakota Legislature. There are plenty of arguments for and against the bill, but one fact, above all others, sticks out in my mind; this ban can and will save lives if it’s passed.
The number one threat to the life of a teenager in South Dakota is a motor vehicle crash. In 2008, 21 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers and over the past five years, South Dakota crashes involving teen drivers claimed 157 lives.
Talking and texting on a cell phone while driving is dangerous behavior for drivers of all ages, but especially for our youngest, least experienced drivers. Text-messaging drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers who do not. A driver talking on a cell phone is more impaired than one with a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit.
Auto safety laws play an important part in keeping roads safe for everyone. Laws governing underage drinking and driving are excellent examples. Parents play a critical role in enforcing these laws and serving as good role models for their children. The youth cell phone ban will be most effective when law enforcement and parents work together.
Most importantly, this law will save lives. Other states that have passed similar laws have seen improvement. Studies from Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Oregon all have shown unequivocal success in decreasing teen crash rates by passing legislation protecting young drivers.
Even so, wouldn’t saving one life be enough reason to pass the youth cell phone bill? Please call, write or email your legislator and tell them you want them to save lives. Ask them to vote in favor of the youth cell phone ban.
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