A law making texting wile driving illegal in South Dakota takes effect on Tuesday. Motorists are prohibited from using a handheld device to write, send or read text messages except to contact emergency services.
Violators of the new law are subject to a $100 fine. "Texting behind the wheel is a triple whammy--it takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off of driving," says AAA South Dakota spokeswoman Marilyn Buskohl.
AAA South Dakota also predicts 130 thousand South Dakotans will travel 50 miles or more over the long Independence Day holiday. Marilyn Buskohl joined Dakota Midday to discuss the new texting and driving ban as well as the long travel weekend.