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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The speed limit on Utah's interstates could rise by 5 mph as part of a comprehensive reform of the state's traffic laws that have safety experts hoping lawmakers will put the brakes on the bill.
Senator Scott Jenkins wants to reform the state traffic code to increase the speed limit on the state's interstates. He also proposes reducing the amount of time people have to use their turn signal before changing lanes, require slow-moving traffic to get out of the left lane and to allow police officers to speed without flashing their lights.
Jenkins says people are already speeding and police officers are already breaking the law by not using their lights. Jenkins says his bill, which has already passed a Senate committee and is expected to be voted on by the full Senate tomorrow, would make state law more in accordance with what drivers are already doing.
But highway safety advocates say Jenkins' bill is a recipe for danger.
Judie Stone, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, says Jenkins' proposals won't help make the roads any safer and would only encourage more speeding. Others question how people would know to get out a police officer's way without flashing lights and say reducing how long a turn signal is on could cause more accidents.
---- On the Net: Senate Bill 17
http://www.le.state.ut.us/ 7/82007/bills/sbillint/sb0017.htm
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
