This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
When the 2015 Legislative session convenes next January, there are two issues that I hope will be addressed:
1. Studies have shown that drivers using cellphones are just as distracted (and dangerous) as drivers under the influence and the accident statistics appears to bear that out. As highway safety is important, shouldn't the cellphone driver face the same penalties as the intoxicated driver?
2. The so-called "Zion Curtain" in restaurants is intended to reduce the attraction of alcohol on adolescents by shielding them from the preparation of alcoholic beverages. What is being done to shield them from the sight of their parents enjoying that cocktail after it is served at their table? It would seem watching their parents drink that cocktail would be more influential than watching it being prepared.
Kermit Heid
Salt Lake City