Sixteen-year-old Sarah Taylor knows what texting while driving could cause: danger for the person behind the wheel and anyone else on the road.<\/p>\n
That’s why the North Charleston teen thinks it’s a good idea that the state might stop new drivers from using their phones while on the road. But will they listen? That’s another question.<\/p>\n
“I do think it will be a big uproar if it does actually go through,” Sarah said. “Nobody is going to follow it.”<\/p>\n
The bill would allow law enforcement to stop 15- and 16-year-old drivers if they are caught text messaging or talking on a phone without a hands-free device, although the provisions allow for emergency communication.<\/p>\n
The issue pits personal rights against safety concerns and is sure to be controversial when the House debates the proposed legislation, said Rep. Bob Walker, R-Landrum.<\/p>\n
“You know as well as I do, all of us, young people included, are going to be distracted, listening to the radio, talking on our phones, eating food,” he said.<\/p>\n