 "Photo: Jami Bonner")
Utah state law currently bans text messaging while driving and there is discussion in the state legislature about banning cell phone use for drivers 18 and younger.
Representative Evan J. Vickers said Utahns have some concerns with the bill to ban all cell phone use for young drivers that was unveiled in the state legislature.
“There definitely is a concern and awareness with this issue,” Vickers said.
Vickers said polling in southern Utah has shown resident concern with the issue.
“It hasn’t really hit the forefront yet but, based on polling from Southern Utah residents, that is an issue with them,” Vickers said.
Adam Brown, a junior integrated engineering & technology major from Orem, said he is not so concerned with drivers using their cell phones while driving on freeways but around the city limits, he is concerned.
“Around town I am concerned about it because I have seen lots of accidents and near accidents of people talking on the phone and texting,” Brown said.
Brown said because he has children, he thinks minors should be able to use cell phones in case of emergencies.
“When my girls get older and if they are leaving to go out with friends, they may call us if they need something or if they are in trouble,” Brown said. “Whether it is bad or not, my girls are going to have a cell phone so they can get a hold of us wherever they are at.”
Patrick Bell, a senior economics major from Mount Pleasant, said he isn’t worried about people driving while talking on their cell phones.
“I don’t see the difference between talking on your cell phone and then talking to someone who is next to you in the passenger seat,” Bell said. “There are also times when you shouldn’t talk on your cell phone when you’re driving, I think it’s a personal judgment.”
People should just use caution and personal judgment when they are driving, he said.
“I mean the state can’t control how cautious a driver is,” Bell said. “They can only do so much policy-wise for some of those things, I think just because there is a minority out there that lacks common sense doesn’t mean that everybody should have to conform to the same type of policy.”
Vickers explained that a lot of people use their phones while driving for business reasons.
“I know a lot of people — myself included — conduct a lot of business while we are driving, we almost have to have access to that but it needs to be hands-free,” Vickers said.
Vickers said bringing more awareness to the issue could help people realize that they need to be cautious and alert when driving.
“I have seen some documentations and editorials about this issue but it would be great if college and high school students could work on those types of awareness issues,” Vickers said. “It would certainly be a good project from a group from SUU.”
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