Zimmer, Duncan & Cole

South Dakota Looking at Driving & Cell Phone Laws

Cell phones are a convenience that few choose to live without, making multi-tasking common in almost all we do, including driving. This poses a real threat to road safety for everyone.

Because of the high incidence of car accidents involving cell phones, either talking or texting, lawmakers are looking at laws that will curb cell phone use while driving.  Cell phone manufacturers are also looking at ways to disable cell phones while a person is operating a motorized vehicle, and more applications are becoming available that offer hands-free cell phone use.  The newness of the cell phone phenomenon has left public guardians scrambling to find solutions to the dangers of using cell phones while driving.

In South Dakota, legislation has been stuck in debate around how to protect the public from distracted drivers that may cause great harm to themselves and others on the road.  Some lawmakers believe nothing should be done and others believe that there should be penalties, such as 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, which would stop a driver from using a hand-held device while driving.  Cell phones and operating motor vehicles is new territory for everyone and will require time to actually put meaningful safety guards in place for the public.

In the meantime, drivers are at risk for serious injury or even death caused by distracted drivers.  If you are a loved one has been seriously injured in a car crash with someone using a cell phone at the time of the accident, you may be awarded compensation for damages suffered.

Call an experienced South Dakota car attorney to get your questions answered today. Contact Zimmer, Duncan & Cole at (888) 733-2992 or fill out the form on this page to schedule a free consultation about your case.