MORNING HEADLINES | South Carolina’s “hands-free” cell phone law took effect on Labor Day to discourage people from holding or touching cell phones while driving. The law is intended to discourage distracted driving, which has led to an increase in accidents.
“When you’re driving with your phone in your hand, you’re driving blind,” said Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, the bill’s sponsor. “It’s six times more deadly than drunk driving.”
Officers will issue warnings for the first six months to allow drivers time to adjust. But beginning in March, fines and points will apply:
- First offense: $100 fine
- Subsequent offenses: $200 fine and two points on the driver’s license
Drivers may still use their phones through Bluetooth, voice-to-text, or if the device is secured in a cradle or dashboard mount — as long as it is not physically held.
The S.C. Department of Public Safety has already launched a public awareness campaign with highway signs, DMV reminders and advertising funded by a portion of fines collected.
In other headlines
CP OPINION: Brack: Use critical thinking skills to cut nimrodic blather. “It hasn’t helped that the people now in charge from the president through the GOP in Congress and many state legislatures seem to simply hate government — or disrespect enough of what our founding fathers did to be the world’s biggest hypocrites. And to top all of that off, the loyal opposition — the Democratic Party — does such a poor, milquetoast job of messaging that it’s no wonder the nation is in a fix.”
- CP OPINION, Todd: Hopeful for return to hands-free driving.
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CP NEWS: Washington vaccine fight creates ripples in S.C. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, announced this fall’s Covid shot would be approved only for Americans 65 and older or those with underlying medical risks. Up to now, the vaccine has been available to all Americans six months and older.
CP NEWS: Creatives to inspire Sept. 9 at PechaKucha 48. For the second time this year, several members of Charleston’s creative community will share what inspires them at the 48th iteration of PechaKucha, an arts gathering that ignites inspiration. Presenters perform 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at a ticketed show at the Charleston Music Hall.
CP FOOD: Acclaimed chef to join Charleston Place for year-long pop-up restaurant. Daniel Humm, the acclaimed chef behind New York City’s three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park, will launch a yearlong pop-up restaurant at The Charleston Place starting Oct. 2. The collaboration will take over the hotel’s former Charleston Grill space.
Powerball jackpot reaches $1.3B. The Powerball jackpot jumped to a staggering $1.3 billion after there were no big winners in Monday night’s drawing — the fifth-largest prize in game history.
Charleston Co. prepares to respond to natural disasters independently. The county emergency management director updated the progress of action items, which includes revamping Community Emergency Response Training for residents, building financial reserves, and strengthening relationships with other county governments and non-governmental organizations.
Expanded reading program to close literacy gap in Charleston Co.. In partnership with the Lowcountry Literacy Project, Charleston County School District is launching a multi-year teacher training initiative at two Title 1 Elevation schools: Matilda Dunston and Ladson Elementary Schools. The goal is to improve literacy outcomes by equipping teachers with proven tools to help students master reading early.
North Charleston police department has new, less lethal weapons. The North Charleston Police Department finished training officers in August to use a new type of less-lethal weapon: the pepperball launcher, which uses carbon dioxide to launch pepper spray-filled projectiles that release a cloud of chemicals into the air upon impact.
Mid-century modern corner of King Street torn down. Excavators leveled a 1950s Mid-Century modern landmark once home to Black-owned and Jewish-owned businesses and a neighborhood bicycle shop.
Charleston’s Joe Riley Baseball Stadium is slowly sinking. The field at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, owned by the city of Charleston and home to the RiverDogs, needs a landscaper’s careful attention as it has a tendency to sink and buckle because the land beneath it is garbage, mud and dirt. Literally.
Charleston catering veteran opens first venue in historic train station. Duvall Catering and Events in September will unveil The Grand, its first dedicated venue space after serving the Lowcountry for 45 years.
Red Top community gathers oral histories of Rosenwald School. Almost 100 years ago, a small school in the Red Top settlement community was built to offer African American children a chance at a quality education. A small grassroots effort is working to preserve its memory, one story at a time.
Historic marker dedication for Louie Tenement in Liberty Hill. In the heart of North Charleston’s Liberty Hill, a piece of history that shaped the community, the Louie Tenement, will soon be honored.
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