(AP) -- A bill banning drivers from texting or reading electronic messages on South Carolina's roadways has received key approval in the House.
The House approved the measure 93-15 on Wednesday. It faces another perfunctory vote before heading to the Senate.
Sponsoring Rep. Don Bowen says he became passionate about the dangers of texting behind the wheel because his seven grandchildren will all soon be driving. The Anderson Republican says the bill puts technology and responsibility in sync. He hopes it alerts drivers to a danger he compares to drunken driving.
Opponents question how texting is worse than other forms of distracted driving and argue enforcement will be difficult.
The measure exempts messages sent through voice-operated devices. Similar measures limiting texting and cell phone use while driving have died in the Legislature.
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