2 bills would help clear roads

COLUMBIA - You've seen it dozens of times as you've driven: traffic slows to a snail's pace because up ahead, two cars had a fender bender.

But if a bill now making its way through the legislature becomes law, drivers involved in minor accidents would have to move their vehicles out of traffic or face a minimum $100 fine.

The measure passed a House subcommittee on Thursday; the full House could act on it in as little as two weeks, after which it would go to the Senate.

Also Thursday, a Senate subcommittee approved a bill that would make it illegal to impede the traffic flow on an Interstate highway by driving slowly in the left-hand passing lane.

Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, the bill's author, said he got the idea from a Highway Patrol trooper in his home county who complained about the problem.

"He said that in his opinion, it's the number one cause of road rage in the state," Peeler said. "I would agree with him."

Currently, there is no prohibition against driving in the left lane as long as you're traveling at least 45 mph.

"Over time, some people have come to feel that the left lane is another travel lane," Peeler said. "But if you're going 55 and the speed limit is 70, then you're backing up traffic."

The bill would ban people from driving in the left lane except when passing or under several other circumstances, such as when bad weather makes it necessary, or when traffic congestion makes driving in the right lane impractical.

A violation would carry a fine of $75 to $150. There would be no driver's license penalty points assessed for people convicted.

Of the two measures that got subcommittee approval on Thursday, S.C. Department of Public Safety spokesman Sid Gaulden said, "the problem that really needs to be addressed is moving those vehicles."

He said, "People are hesitant to do anything (after an accident) until somebody from law enforcement arrives. But with so many cars on the road, that could take awhile."

The bill authorizes state and local authorities to put up signs notifying drivers that if they are involved in an accident that involves only damage to a vehicle, but no injuries, they must not obstruct traffic.

Rep. Bill Herbkersman, R-Beaufort, the bill's author, said he got the idea for it from driving regularly to Hilton Head Island on heavily traveled U.S. 278.

"One broken tail light can tie up traffic for three hours and 40 miles," he said.