(Continued from page 15)

• "I want to make it a culture shift. It's not safe to text and drive," Vehle said.
• A measure Vehle sponsored last year was passed by the Senate 24-9, but the bill was rejected by a House committee.
• Last year's measure would have prohibited typing, sending or reading a text while driving, but it would have allowed drivers to make cellphone calls and use hands-free electronic devices to handle text-based messages. Vehle said he is still working out details of this year's proposal.
• Vehle's measure was killed last year by the House Judiciary Committee after opponents said studies have indicated it's not clear that texting bans have lowered crash rates in other states.
• Rep. Mike Stevens, R-Yankton, who voted against the proposed texting ban last year, said he hasn't seen any new information to show a ban improves highway safety. Technological advances are making it possible for drivers to text hands-free by just speaking to their phones, he said.
• "Ultimately, I think technology will take care of the issue," Stevens said.
• Vehle said more than a half dozen South Dakota cities already have passed their own texting bans, which could create confusion about where texting is allowed and where it's prohibited. A state law would make the practice illegal statewide, he said.
• A law won't stop all texting while driving, but other laws have helped reduce drunken driving and increase seat belt use, Vehle said.
• "To me, it's not about tickets. It's not about fines. It's about safe driving," Vehle said. "You've got your eyes and your mind off the road. That's the dangerous part."
• No one testified against the measure during committee hearings last year. People who testified in support of the proposed ban included police chiefs, insurance lobbyists and a grief-stricken widow and the man who killed her husband while texting and driving.
• The Governors Highway Safety Association says 41 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers. An additional six states ban text messaging by beginning drivers.
•

• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Authorities say a Sioux Falls business has suffered extensive smoke damage from a fire.
• Sioux Falls Fire Rescue says the fire was reported early Sunday morning and the Natural Food Co-op.
• Crews entered the building and located a fire near the entrance and the blaze was controlled in about five minutes.

(Continued on page 17)