The city of Greenville, South Carolina is considering banning all use of cellphones while driving. Many cities throughout the state have banned texting while driving, but none have completely outlawed all cellphone use. A local task force in Greenville is looking into driving safety in the area; Mayor Pro Tem David Sudduth believes a texting ban is simply not enough. The task force is recommending a new law that would forbid talking on a cellphone in a driver’s hand, using a cellphone as a GPS or navigational device, and reading directions, among other common mobile activities. Hands-free talking would still be allowed.
When the cellphone ordinance was first introduced in the city of Greenville, it focused mainly on texting and driving, but some believed it would be too difficult to enforce.
“I don’t care that he’s not texting. He might say, ‘Well, I’m not texting – I’m surfing the web or I am dialing a phone number.’ I don’t want him dong any of that,” says Sudduth, who believes a full cellphone ban will be more effective at improving driver safety.
Greenville police agree; trying to prove texting violations has always been one of their greatest obstacles. “If it’s in their hand, and we can see them doing something, it’s easy for us to enforce,” says Police Chief Terri Wilfong.
Others on the council are wondering if such a law would be going too far. There are many other ways for drivers to become distracted, such as changing the radio, eating, or grooming. Forty-seven states have some sort of distracted driving law; South Carolina does not, and Greenville can’t wait for the state to take action. A public hearing to discuss the cellphone ban will be held after the holidays. For more information on distracted driving and cellphone laws in South Carolina, contact the knowledgeable legal team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, or stop by our Greenville office at 715 Congaree Rd for a free consultation.