Are they going to pass SB 128? By Enrique Jimenez

Senate bill 128 "modifies the Motor Vehicles Code by amending provisions relating to a person younger than 18 years of age using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle," according to the bill text. This means that any person younger than 18 years of age would be banned from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Whoever violates this section would be guilty of an infraction and fined a maximum of $50. "Those with the least experience driving operating a motor vehicle, should have their focus on learning how to operate a motor vehicle," Sen. Romero (D- Salt Lake) said, "if you are under 18 and you get into an automobile accident, you cause property damage or injure other people, and the parent is responsible for that." I feel this bill should be enforced to encourage kids to abide the law.

After its initial introduction, S.B. 128 has been amended to allow drivers to play music and use GPS features on a smartphone. There are also exceptions allowing calls to report an emergency or road hazard. But there would be no exception for using a hands free device. Romero said it doesn’t make a measurable difference in safety. On February 7th, the bill passed the Senate 19-9 and moved to the House.

Statistics showing cellphone use while driving gives backing to the bill, particularly those relevant to newer drivers. “In 2011, state statistics show 50 percent of high school students admit talking on their cellphone while driving. In 2010, 15- to 19-year-old drivers had the highest rate of crashes, injuries, and property damage of all driving age groups, and out of nearly 21,000 crashes that year, 17 percent of drivers were using cellphones at the time” (Utah transportation commission).

Nine senate members opposed this bill. Among them was Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, who spoke out arguing that Utah law already bans sending text messages while driving and distracted driving. He also said many people use cellphones for more than just communicating. "This bill is vague and unenforceable," argued Valentine.

Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, said he was conflicted about the bill. "Government has its limitations," he said. "We’re not going to stop a whole lot with this, but I know in other states all of us are restricted from driving with that telephone stuck in our ear, and if this prevents even one or two teenagers from being killed on our highways, I’m sorry, but I have to support the bill."

When asked about her opinion on SB 128, Delaney Harrison, a 16 year old West High student, said “I think it does not pose a problem but is hard not to ignore your phone when driving”.

Making it illegal for teens to use their cell phones while driving is not a bad idea because it teaches teens to be more responsible. Personally, I would follow this bill by not using my cell phone while driving. I may be have the desire to look at my phone while I’m driving, but I’d keep in mind that, if this bill passes, it is illegal.