What’s This Sculpture In The Empire Mall In Sioux Falls?
My wife and I were in the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls recently and saw this interesting sculpture. Our curiosity was piqued so we walked over to have a closer look.
The sculpture features 250 cell phones. A sign said these phones represent the number of drivers who were killed or injured in distracted driving-related crashes in 2021.
After having a closer look, each pod that held a phone was in the shape of a coffin. It was then that the gravity of the situation began to hit me. My wife just said, "Wow", and that was my reaction too.
This is an incredibly powerful visual reminder of how dangerous texting and driving can be. I'm just as guilty as anyone when it comes to that and while I haven't had any problems yet, it only takes one time.
I don't usually get caught up in New Year's resolutions, but thanks to this sculpture, this year I am going to put the phone down while driving.
The sculpture will remain at the center of the Empire Mall for nine weeks before being displayed at other locations throughout the state.
The sculpture was commissioned by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Sioux Falls artist Nichole Cross of Composite Design Studio designed the structure. Secure Enterprise Asset Management in Sioux Falls donated the cell phones.
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