Social media can wait
Sara Stadem | Editor
With school back in session, drivers will see the all-familiar flashing lights through the school zones, buses coming to stops to pick up children and children crossing the street. While drivers should be watching for those distractions, a recent survey shows half of South Dakotans use social media while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Gunther VW Fort Lauderdale completed a survey of 3,100 drivers and the results showed that half (50%) of drivers in the state of South Dakota admit to using social media while driving a vehicle. This is compared to the national average of 26%. The survey results also indicated that almost one in five (16%) of South Dakotans have taken a selfie while behind the wheel.
When asked if he sees social media playing a role in accidents, Deputy Sherriff Damian Kardas said, “Hard to say. Accidents that I am dispatched to are drivers being distracted by not paying attention to the road.” He continued, “Often, drivers do not like to admit to law enforcement that they were on their cell phones when the accident occurred because they may fear a citation. Often, drivers will tell me they have a lot on their minds and are not paying attention to their surroundings.”
The survey went on to research what social media platforms are most likely being used while someone is behind the wheel and over half (58%) said Facebook. This often includes reading status updates and scrolling through newsfeeds. Snapchat was another platform used by 12% of South Dakotans, watching videos or taking selfies, and 10% said they were on Twitter, reading tweets. Instagram was also mentioned as a distractor by 8% of drivers, looking at posts and pictures, 8% admitted to watching YouTube videos while driving and 4% exchange messages on WhatsApp when behind the wheel of a vehicle.
According to the survey, 18% of South Dakotan drivers are not aware that it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving.
Deputy Sherriff Kardas explained, “Basically, the law prohibits all drivers from using a cell phone to write, send or read a text message while operating a motor vehicle. However, there are expectations.” He continued, “It doesn’t apply to lawfully parked drivers, using voice operated or hands-free technologies, contacting emergency services or writing, reading, selection or entering a telephone number or name for the person making a call.”
For the full statue, see 32-26-47.1 and 32-26-47.2.
With driver’s attention being distracted so severely with this, the survey went on to ask whether people who use social media should face the same penalties as drunk drivers. Although almost half (48%) said they should receive the same penalties, there were 21% of the drivers that felt using social media didn’t affect their driving capabilities. There were 12% that admitted if a friend posted a selfie while driving, they would probably still like the post.
According to Deputy Sherriff Kardas, the fine in the state of SD if caught using social media while driving is $178.50.
With the school year under way and more students walking to and from school, Deputy Sherriff Kardas provides some advice for those driving. “I learned at the police academy that while you are driving, don’t just be focused on what’s right in front of you. Look forwards to the horizon line and see what’s ahead. While doing that, look to your left and right to see if there are hazards ahead. Another thing is that text messages, Snapchat, or Tic Tok that’s on your phone should wait. There is no need to look at that message, and you can wait whenever you reach your destination to view that message. It can save a life and a dent in your wallet.” He concluded, “Lastly, slow down. If you are speeding and think you are saving time by going faster, you’re saving milliseconds. As we are here in the school years, when you see yellow flashing lights or children on the sidewalks, the speed limit changes to 15 mph. Most speed limit signs in Hartford are 20 mph except for HWY 38 through town (35 mph), Colton Rd (35 mph), and Western Ave (40 mph & 45 mph). And please be safe on the roadways.”