As I was driving down I-15 at rush hour, I decided to check which bills were new and fresh on the Utah State Legislature web site when, all of a sudden I came across this little gem. Naturally this would distract me to the point where I nearly slammed into the back of a semi transporting hazardous materials. Thankfully I kept my head on a swivel and narrowly avoided disaster. Thank goodness that Representative Phil Riseen (D – Millcreek, District 36) has proposed H.B. 95.
Lets face it, we have all seen been behind that scary driver, weaving all over the road; in your speedy pass you look over and see that the driver is dinking around on their phone. Let us also not forget that the recent road rage incident on 1600 South and I-15 was most likely caused by a driver who was on their phone.
The simple fact of the matter is that people on their phones are as dangerous, if not more so, than drunk drivers. What makes matters worse, the person on their phone generally does not know how dangerous they actually are.
As it stands, this bill only applies to motorists on a highway – city streets are excluded and municipalities will have to adopt their own ordinances. Furthermore, the bill does provide for exceptions if a driver is reporting hazardous or criminal activity. If, however, you are caught using a phone while driving, you will be charged with a class C misdemeanor (a fine of no more than $750 and incarceration not to exceed 90 days).
I would like to see one minor amendment to this bill, something stating that the vehicle needs to be in motion, but overall I feel that this is a good bill.
I agree with the reasons behind this bill, but I highly disagree with passing it.
Dangerous driving is already illegal. I don’t think specific types of dangerous or distracted driving should be more punishable than others. What about people who put makeup on while driving, or eat (with a fork and knife even!) while driving? There are many causes of distracted driving, and to say cell phones are worse is wrong.