State education leaders want school bus drivers to hang up when they're behind the wheel.
A rule prohibiting drivers from talking on cell phones while driving gained preliminary approval from the Utah State Board of Education on Thursday.
"There have been incidents here in Utah that were identified and national incidents as well," said Murrell Martin, pupil transportation specialist at the Utah State Office of Education.
The rule would forbid school bus drivers from using cell phones, wireless electronic devices, headsets, ear pieces, earphones or any other equipment that "might distract a driver from his responsibilities" while a bus is in motion. Drivers would be able to use cell phones and other devices for emergencies and other school-related issues when buses are parked. They would be able to use cell phones for personal reasons when buses are parked, off the road and emptied of passengers.
Board members will likely take a final vote on the rule at their meeting next month.
Martin said most school districts in Utah already have rules forbidding bus drivers from talking on phones while driving. The state rule is meant to cover districts that don't already have rules and to help guide districts, he said.
"I don't think it's a frequent thing, but it's just to make sure and clarify and protect the safety of students," said Debra Roberts, state board chair.
Boyd Kimber, a Granite School District bus driver and president of the Granite Educational Support Professionals Association, said it happens, despite district rules prohibiting it.
"We know we shouldn't but occasionally it does happen," Kimber said. "We're all human, whether we'd like to admit it or not."
Kimber, however, said he thinks the state rule is a good one. He said he'd like to see all Utah drivers barred from using cell phones behind the wheel.
"The number of times I almost get hit every day, the majority of them are talking on phones," Kimber said. "We dodge cars probably an average of five to ten times a day."
Chris Peters, Salt Lake City School District transportation services supervisor, said the Salt Lake district established rules barring drivers from talking on the phone a few years ago after drivers were caught talking on Bluetooth phones. She said drivers caught talking on phones more than once can be terminated.
The state rule would leave consequences of violating the rule up to districts or employers.
"You're talking and you're focusing on the conversation and not on the road," Peters said.
David Shell, another Granite bus driver, said he agrees that drivers shouldn't talk on cell phones, but doesn't see a problem with drivers using hands-free ear pieces.
"To me it's no different than if I have a passenger sitting next to me and I'm talking them," Shell said. Granite spokesman Ben Horsley said district policy prohibits drivers from using any electronic devices while driving.
Kent Okelberry, a bus driver for the Salt Lake City School District and UTA, said no one, including bus drivers, should talk on phones while driving.
"That's how accidents happen," Okelberry said.
