This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
As a constant advocate for hands-on driving, I felt that this year the state Legislature had moved into the world of reality. Finally SB253 would not only forbid texting but ban entirely the use of a hand-held phone. Not so fast.
The bill was watered down in committee. No surprise. Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, said she voted against the bill because it does not create a delineation of what drivers can and cannot do ("Senate OKs bill targeting distracted driving," Tribune, March 11). Eliminate one distraction and then work on the rest. I guess I should not be surprised by the logic of a senator from Orem; in Happy Valley, they seem to thrive on being told exactly what to do.
While driving my pickup the other day, I saw five drivers texting in the space of four miles. The Utah Highway Patrol should put an unmarked pickup on the roads so officers can look down at what people are doing. Fines should be severe enough that people will think twice about doing it.
Gregory Jones
North Salt Lake