Spearfish Cracker Barrel addresses texting bill - KOTA Territory News

Spearfish Cracker Barrel addresses on texting bill

Dozens of people in Spearfish stopped into the Student Union Building at Black Hills State University for a Cracker Barrel with State Senator Bob Ewing and Representatives Timothy Johns and Fred Romkema.

The first question brought up by the audience focused on a bill the Senate recently passed that bans texting while driving.

"I believe both hands should be on the steering wheel rather than utilizing some electronic equipment," said Ewing.

"I will most likely support if it comes out in a rather narrow fashion," said Romkema.

Ewing works in the towing industry and he told the crowd that he's personally seeing more and more accidents caused by texting behind the wheel.

"Over the past year, I went to three of them that were fatal accidents that were a result of texting.  So I'm very passionate about it," said Ewing.

The bill still needs approval from the House.  The State House has rejected similar bills over the years, but Romkema believes public support is climbing.

"The public outcry is so strong and there's so many states that are enacting texting bills," said Romkema.

Lawmakers opposed to the bill say there is no need for a texting ban, because there are already laws against distracted and reckless driving.