South Carolina Bans Texting for Some Workers Driving State Cars

South Carolina’s public safety and transportation departments have banned their employees from texting while driving state vehicles.

Transportation Secretary Buck Limehouse and Public Safety Director Mark Keel say the policy will improve highway safety.

Budget and Control Board spokesman Mike Sponhour says the agency already bans its workers from using state cell phones in vehicles, and the board is considering spreading the ban to all cell phones.

Last Wednesday, South Carolina legislators postponed a vote on a measure that would ban all drivers from sending text messages or using a hand-held cell phone. Handsfree devices are exempt.