DRIVE UNDISTRACTED, AROUND THE SYSTEM AND WITH BLINKING LIGHTS

BY: MAKENZIE WISTISEN

SALT LAKE CITY Of the numerous vehicle and driving related bills to be heard during this
session of the Utah State Legislature, texting and driving, DUI loopholes and brake light bills
have attracted significant attention from both the media and the public.
As the Legislature approaches its end, no signs of slowing down can be felt. A wave of bills
approach the House and Senate floors for discussion and final decision. Whether applied to Utah
law or rejected, this is do or die time in the Capitol.
HB 63, Distracted Driver Amendment, has ignited continuous debate from Senators, bill
sponsors and lobbyists. The bill currently circled and in question on the Legislative agenda,
modifies the Traffic Code by amending provisions relating to using a handheld wireless
communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle.
As the bill encompasses texting while driving, a state-wide public audience has taken interest.
While many are pleased to hear the bill would amend the complete prohibition on cell phone use,
the consequences of such remain to be seen. There are however, terms and conditions.
As of May 2014, all cell phone use, including the sending or viewing of a text, dialing a number,
web-surfing and music control, was made illegal regardless of hands-free operation. As the law
currently stands, exceptions are limited to answering calls, using maps and reporting
emergencies.
Rep. Andereggs, Republican-Lehi, bill proposes, A person may not operate or view information
from a cell phone while driving on any highway in Utah unless it be through hands-free talking
and listening, annulling the previous statute made in May of last year.
Although many favor the liberation of cell phone use provided it be through voice command,
blue tooth devices and in-car technology, opponents within the US Department of Transportation
argue that hands free communication is not significantly safer than using a hand-held device. Its
argued that the root of the problem lies with distraction of any capacity.
Whether or not HB 63 will be a step backward in safety initiatives for Utah drivers, the House
awaits further discussion.
HB 284, Minor Alcohol or Drug Related Offenses and Driving Privileges, modifies provisions
relating to sentencing requirements for certain alcohol or drug related offenses.
What some are referring to as the second chance bill, HB 284 passes to state law.
In addition to reducing the drivers license suspension time for minors (18 and younger) with
alcohol or drug related offenses on a case by case basis, Courts will be authorized to order a
screening to assess treatment needs in alcohol related violations. Rep. Bradley Daw, Republican-

Orem, says getting away from a model of punishment to a model of treatment is the right
direction for substance abuse legislation.
Under current Utah law, minors associated with alcohol in any capacity are subject to a one year
license suspension. Currently the Court can reduce the suspension period if the individual
completes an education series with a substance abuse provider. A second violation relating to
alcohol however, can result in a two year license suspension. Drug related offenses are subject to
the same outcome but without the possibility for reducing license suspension time.
HB 284 now annuls such previous statutes and makes reducing license suspension time more
attainable. Rep. Edward Redd, Republican-Logan, says that kids need treatment and help, not
to have their licenses taken away; an amenity many say is the keystone to school attendance and
early employment.
Art Brown, president of Utahs Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, views the bill as an
asset to Utah. Only 84 percent of people involved in drugs and alcohol only ever get the
treatment they need, Brown says.
Its perceived that HB 284 will not only institute safer Utah highways, but work to heal the issue
of underage substance addiction and misconduct.
HB 302, Traffic Safety Lights on Vehicles, modifies the Traffic Code by amending provisions
relating to lighting requirements on vehicles.
A flashing brake lights system, HB 302 passes to state law full speed ahead.
Annulling the previous ban on continuously flashing brake lights, HB 302 is perceived to reduce
the number of accidents on Utah highways at large. The Department of Transportation recently
performed a study that found a pulsating or flashing light increases the drivers reaction times
and responsiveness by almost 50 percent.
Rep. Lee Perry, Republican-Perry, notes that with one more second of warning, 90 percent of
rear end collisions can be avoided.
A Utah based company, Safety First Brake Light, has patented the innovation for brake light
systems. The brake light is designed to catch the drivers attention quicker, without distracting
them or disturbing traffic. The light doesnt keep flashing. You have to have your foot off the
break for a full 5 seconds and then push again to get it to flash again, says Perry.
As several states have already adopted the flashing brake lights system, Safety First Brake Light
is currently attempting to pass federal legislation to make this technology legal across the United
States.

Sources contributed by Abigail Norton and Caleb Larkin-Capital West News