Key approval for texting ban

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina drivers will be ticketed for using their phones to send text messages or e-mails behind the wheel, under a bill that got key approval in the House on Wednesday.

The House voted 98-18 to give the bill second reading. The legislation needs a final reading today before it moves to the Senate, where a similar bill is pending.

South Carolina could join 19 other states that ban texting while driving.

"Simply put, this new measure sets in place policies that will save lives," House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said in a statement. "This bill represents a much-needed step in protecting our citizens and maintaining safe roadways that people across our state have uniformly supported."

The legislation would allow law enforcement officers to charge drivers caught texting or e-mailing with a $25 fine. It mirrors the state's penalties in place for getting caught not wearing a seat belt.

The bill does not put restrictions on making phone calls while driving.

Rep. David Umphlett, R-Moncks Corner, said he voted against the bill because it does not go far enough. He wanted a ban with strong penalties against both talking and texting. "All we did was pass a feel-good bill and place $25 on a human life," he said.

Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, said he voted for the bill, because even without more severe penalties, it will send a message to drivers.

"You have to try to find a reasonable place to draw the line," he said. "The data suggests that texting and e-mailing is a lot more dangerous than anything else."

Bill co-sponsor Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, said he knew the state had to act after he ran a red light when he took his eyes off the road for a few seconds to check a text message.

"I think it will save countless lives," he said.

The town of Mount Pleasant also is considering a ban on drivers sending text messages. Town Council will discuss the ban at the April 9 meeting.

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Charleston also is considering an ordinance to stop drivers from sending text messages while on the road. Mayor Joe Riley said Tuesday that the city's legal team is drawing up an ordinance for council's consideration.

Clemson City Council became the first city in South Carolina to approve a ban, which goes into effect June 1.

Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-926-7855 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.