Texting law a good move

Argus (Sioux Falls, S.D.)Leader: Sioux Falls streets, already lauded as the country’s safest city streets to drive on, will be even more so starting later this month.

It no longer will be legal to text while driving after the City Council passed a ban on the dangerous and ubiquitous habit in a recent 7-0 vote. The ban will go into effect Sept. 28 and will be a primary offense, punishable by a fine of up to $200 and 30 days in jail.

The idea of banning texting while driving has been on the national, state and local stage for years. Anecdotally, it would seem every other car or truck on the road was being operated by someone who also was texting or looking down at their phone. Statistically, that’s actually not far off, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration saying half of drivers aged 21-24 text while driving.

And while South Dakota will still be one of only 11 states without a ban on texting and driving, it is impressive for the council and the city to take this leadership role. Our state legislators, who twice have neglected to enact a state-wide ban, should take note.