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SALT LAKE CITY — Texting while driving is illegal in Utah, and on Tuesday a law passed banning teenagers under the age of 18 from using their cellphone at all while driving.
Rep. Lee Perry was one of the main sponsors for the new law. He is also a lieutenant with the Utah Highway Patrol, and he said the law targeted the teen age group because he feels they need to hone their driving skills before adding other distractions.
"Being that age, you think you're invincible and nothing will happen," Perry said.
Officers from the Utah Highway Patrol said they are excited for the new law to take effect.
"It is a good law and an important tool for law enforcement to use," said Cpl. Todd Johnson. "Teen drivers make up a small amount, but are involved in a large amount of crashes."
- Teen drivers can call in a medical problem or a road hazard
- Teens can call to report a crime
- Teens can also call their parents
In Utah, only eight percent of drivers are teenagers, but teenager-involved accidents make up 21 percent of the state's total car accidents. Under the new law, cellphone use behind the wheel becomes a primary offense for teens.
"If you see that offense you can stop the person for that violation," Johnson said.
The violation for teenagers using a cellphone while driving results in a $25 citation. However, the citation doesn't go against the individual's permanent driving record.
A few exceptions have also been made for teenagers to use their cellphone while driving. Teen drivers can still call in a medical problem or a road hazard as well as report a crime. They can also call their parents.
Johnson said that teenagers may not fully comprehend the dangers of distracted driving, and parents need to talk with their children about the new law and importance of safe driving.
"If they'll be responsible, if their parents will be responsible, they can develop a habit of not having to use that cellphone while they're driving," Johnson said.
As part of the initiative to stop cellphone use while driving, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile will launch a multi-million dollar campaign of TV and radio advertisements during the summer.
