According
to the National Safety Council, more than 100,000 accidents involving
texting while driving occur each year. Research indicates that texting
while driving can result in an eight times greater chance of getting in
an accident. In contrast, driving while legally under the influence of
alcohol — a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 — results in a four-times
greater chance of an accident.
A new documentary explores the dangers of texting and
driving, and tells the story of how two Cache County, Utah men were killed in a
accident involving texting and driving. See the story and video at http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/56765440-79/texting-driving-shaw-dell.html.cspl
In 2009, Utah passed landmark legislation prohibiting
texting and driving. The law generally prohibits the use of handheld
wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle. See
Utah Code Ann.
41-6a-1716. Prohibition on using a handheld wireless communication
device while operating a moving motor vehicle -- Exceptions -- Penalties.
(2)
Except as provided in Subsection (3), a person may not use a
(a)
text message;
(b)
manually communicate through an electronic mail system;
(c)
manually enter data into a handheld wireless communication device;
(d)
send data, read text, or view images on a handheld wireless communication
device; or
(e)
manipulate an application from a handheld wireless communication device.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not prohibit a person from using a handheld wireless
communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle:
(a)
when making or receiving a telephone call;
(b)
when using a handheld wireless communication device for global positioning or
navigation services;
(c)
during a medical emergency;
(d)
when reporting a safety hazard or requesting assistance relating to a safety
hazard;
(e)
when reporting criminal activity or requesting assistance relating to a
criminal activity;
(f)
when providing roadside or medical assistance;
(g)
when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting
within the course and scope of the law enforcement officer's or emergency
service personnel's employment; or
(h)
to operate:
(i)
hands-free or voice operated technology; or
(ii)
a system that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor
vehicle.
(4)
A person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a:
(a)
class C misdemeanor; or
(b)
class B misdemeanor if the person:
(i)
has also inflicted serious bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of
using a handheld wireless communication device for text messaging or electronic
mail communication while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state;
or
(ii)
has a prior conviction under this section, that is within three years of:
(A)
the current conviction under this section; or
(B)
the commission of the offense upon which the current conviction is based.
Texting and driving is an increasing problem here in Utah and across the United States.
Texting and driving is an increasing problem here in Utah and across the United States.
blog post by: Robert Tateoka
