According to the Department of Public Safety, South Dakota teens are some of the worst drivers in the country. On Wednesday, the state Senate tackled four bills lawmakers say will make teens safer drivers.
The first bill would ban young drivers from using cell phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. It passed by a vote on the Senate floor of 26-9.
Another piece of legislation that would extend the amount of time a teen has to drive with a learners permit passed by a vote of 21-14.
A third bill would limit the number of passengers under the age of 18 to just one, unless the kids were coming or going to school or a school event. It narrowly passed by a vote of 18-17.
And the final bill would streamline Driver's Ed Classes making the curriculum for the entire state the same. This bill, which many lawmakers referred to as the most important bill, overwhelming got the green light on a vote of 30-5.
All four bills were recommended by a task force that was appointed by last year's legislature to study teen driving.
All four bills now go to the House for consideration.
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