Advocates hope new distracted-driving law creates cultural change

Advocates hope new distracted-driving law creates cultural change

(Jud Burkett & the Dai/Spectrum/File)


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SALT LAKE CITY — If you say you don’t do it, or haven’t done it, the numbers may call you a liar. Texting, reading or sending email, using social media, even posting “selfies” have all been documented on our roadways, sometimes with tragic results.

A report by the AAA shows one in four drivers admitted to texting while driving the month before.

Next week, a new law will make it easier for police to bust drivers in Utah who are distracted by their devices. SB253 passed in the waning hours of the 2014 legislative session and will go into effect May 13.

For drivers like Chris, who didn’t want us to use his full name, using his smartphone while driving has been a regular habit.

“I mean I definitely shouldn't text and drive, but unfortunately with my job I have to sometimes,” he said. “It's more like I do the Google search for the maps,” he said.

Chris said he's aware of the new law, and he thinks it may change his approach.

That's the hope of people like Leslee Henson and Fred Konrath who helped push for the change.

Henson was badly hurt and her husband David was killed in St. George last year when a car struck another car, sending it onto the sidewalk.

Poll: Using phone while driving

Used phone while drivingUsed phone regularly while driving
67%28%

“I think this is going to be huge,” Henson said, “Especially for our law enforcement officers. It’s going to be easier to enforce.”

Konrath was driving the car that struck the Hensons. “My car was rammed, totally knocked out of control,” said Konrath. “I ended up hitting both of them.” The driver accused of hitting Konrath's car, 51-year-old Carla Lynn Brennan, still awaits trial on a vehicular homicide charge.

Before the crash, Konrath said he didn’t text much. But he did pick up his phone and make a call every now and then while driving.

“I absolutely don't touch that cellphone when I'm driving anymore,” Konrath said, “because I saw firsthand how quickly lives could be changed, how tragic the situation could be, and it's just not worth it.”

Starting Tuesday
After Tuesday, people will still be able to talk on their cellphones while driving, but they will not be allowed to dial, write, send or read any data or take photos or video on any device that basically isn’t a permanent part of their car.

Konrath and Henson each testified in support of the law and have been involved in campaigns against distracted driving.

The law has the backing of the Highway Patrol, whose troopers have been preparing for the change.

“I think it's completely in support of safety and that's why we support it so much,” said Lt. Jeff Nigbur.

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