Legislature considers cell phone regulations
Susan Roylance
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: Community
Three bills have been introduced at the Legislature that would regulate the use of cell phones while driving a vehicle. A spokesman for the Utah Highway Patrol said that two more bills are also being considered - making a total of five.
"Recent studies show that using a cell phone while driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol," said Jeff Nigbur, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety. He said they are watching all five bills, and "will focus on the one that gets close to passing." He hoped the sponsors of the bills will get together and combine their proposals into one bill.
"We will support anything that increases safety," said Nigbur.
Three bills are currently in the House Rules Committee. HB 248, "Regulating the Use of Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle," is sponsored by Rep. Moss (D-Salt Lake County). HB 281, "Wireless Communication Device Use Limitations While Operating a Motor Vehicle," is sponsored by Rep. Ray (R-Davis County), and HB 290, "Prohibition of Wireless Communication Device Use in a Motor Vehicle," is sponsored by the Rep. Stephen Clark (R-Utah County).
HB 248 prohibits the use of a "wireless communication device" (cell phone) unless the device "is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking" and is used in that manner. The bill provides exceptions related to an emergency, safety hazards or criminal activity.
Emergency personnel and law enforcement officers are not given an exception in HB 248. "We need our emergency personnel to have the option of using wireless devices," said Nigbur. Both HB 281 and HB 290 "do not prohibit using a wireless communication device . . . when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the course and scope of their employment."
"We all agree that distracted drivers cause accidents," said Don Hutson of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's office. "Even wireless phones that are attached to the ear require some manipulation," he said, "and the person on the other end has no idea when the driver might be involved in an emergency driving situation."
"Recent studies show that using a cell phone while driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol," said Jeff Nigbur, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety. He said they are watching all five bills, and "will focus on the one that gets close to passing." He hoped the sponsors of the bills will get together and combine their proposals into one bill.
"We will support anything that increases safety," said Nigbur.
Three bills are currently in the House Rules Committee. HB 248, "Regulating the Use of Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle," is sponsored by Rep. Moss (D-Salt Lake County). HB 281, "Wireless Communication Device Use Limitations While Operating a Motor Vehicle," is sponsored by Rep. Ray (R-Davis County), and HB 290, "Prohibition of Wireless Communication Device Use in a Motor Vehicle," is sponsored by the Rep. Stephen Clark (R-Utah County).
HB 248 prohibits the use of a "wireless communication device" (cell phone) unless the device "is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking" and is used in that manner. The bill provides exceptions related to an emergency, safety hazards or criminal activity.
Emergency personnel and law enforcement officers are not given an exception in HB 248. "We need our emergency personnel to have the option of using wireless devices," said Nigbur. Both HB 281 and HB 290 "do not prohibit using a wireless communication device . . . when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the course and scope of their employment."
"We all agree that distracted drivers cause accidents," said Don Hutson of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's office. "Even wireless phones that are attached to the ear require some manipulation," he said, "and the person on the other end has no idea when the driver might be involved in an emergency driving situation."
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