Sioux Falls Group Wants Drivers to Put the Device down and Drive

Sioux Falls City Council gets its first look at a proposal to ban hands-free devices for drivers.

In 2012, Sioux Falls City Council enacted a texting ban in an attempt to curb distracted driving in Sioux Falls. Rich Lauer of the Safer Streets campaign cites numerous studies which support the necessity of the higher standard for even just using a phone while driving.

One of the studies Lauer cites is from the University of Utah School of Medicine “You are more disabled as a driver (using a hand-held device) than when you are legally intoxicated. That’s why we want to do this.”

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Lauer also says the high amount of distracted drivers pose an immense risk. “Stop and think about the number of folks you and I see driving down the street with a phone up to their ear. While their intent is not evil, the reality is they are a greater threat to the safety of your family than if they were legally intoxicated.”

One tragic example is Andrea Boeve from Steen, Minnesota who was killed by a distracted driver while riding her bicycle. Chris Weber was trying to do mobile banking on his phone at the time. To see more, watch the accompanying video.

Lauer says the ordinance that Safer Streets will bring to the Council closely resembles a rule now on the books in Austin, Texas. This new proposal would amend the current texting ban and add strength to it.