10/19/06-Rep. Lanny Littlejohn, R-Pacolet, said he will file a bill later this year to prohibit teens under age 18 from chatting while they are behind the wheel. It could be considered during the regular session that begins in January.
Littlejohn told The State newspaper he initially sought to extend the ban to all drivers, but opposition from communications companies caused him to scale back his effort.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that since 2002 there have been 424 traffic collisions in the state in which cell-phone use was indicated as a primary contributing factor. The wrecks killed one person and injured 191 others, according to the patrol.
Opponents of cell-phone restrictions say studies have shown drivers are more distracted by operating the stereos in their vehicles than by such activities as eating or using the phone. Others would rather pursue alternative methods to cut down on distractions.