EDITORIAL: Texting bill gets traction

As the Legislature is tackling plunging revenues and tighter budgets, there is a particular item being considered which would improve the well being of all those on our streets and highways while costing virtually nothing.

That win-win opportunity comes with bills that would prohibit people from texting and otherwise using hand-held cell phones while driving. The texting-while-driving issue has received national attention in the past couple of years and several states have already passed bans.

Studies have shown that those who text while driving take their eyes off the road for up to five seconds at a time. At highway speeds a car could go more than 100 yards with an inattentive driver behind the wheel - a disaster waiting to happen.

South Carolina legislators should not wait until death by texting becomes an epidemic before they put a road block to the practice. As mandatory seat belt laws made those inside a car safer, the law against texting while driving will keep those outside a vehicle safer from possible inattentive drivers.