KDLT: Legislators Discuss Cell Phone Ban

Attention: open in a new window.

"I'm in agriculture, so I deal with a lot of farmers. I deal with a lot of people, and of course, my office is my pick-up truck. So as far as using my cell phone, it's very, very often as far as driving," said Matt Hubsch of Webster.

Many people use their cell phones on the road as more than just a conversation piece - it helps them make a living.

"I'm in sales and management, so I use it a lot during the day. It's very important for me and my business, and to manage my business," said Bill Hogan of Sioux Falls.

State Representative Mark Willadsen supported a bill last year to restrict texting and driving in South Dakota, which ultimately did not pass. He said now, he is torn about the nationally proposed ban. He said as an insurance agent, he would support any law that promotes more safety and fewer accidents on the road.

"On the other hand, as a Republican and supporting less governmental intrusion in our lives and such, this is just another way that "Big Brother" is watching. I mean, they're coming right into our car and telling us what we can and can't do in our car," said Willadsen.

Willadsen and State Senator Angie Buhl said they are both concerned about the enforcement aspect. Buhl added that this topic has been discussed for several legislative sessions, and while safety is a concern, said the ban is taking things too far.

"I've had concerns in the past about privacy issues, because a cell phone is not just a phone anymore. And I also know that I've been pretty differential to federal agencies like the National Transportational Safety Board on their recommendations, which seems to be changing. So we could have a different conversation this year," said Angie Buhl.

The safety board is suggesting electronic manufacturers create a phone that would only be active within a certain distance from the driver's seat, so passengers can use the phone if need be.

While there has been no decision on pursuing a ban in South Dakota again, legislators said last year, they actually received many messages from young people supporting a texting and driving ban in the state.