“Hands free” cellphone bill gets the red light in House committee
Feb 12, 2018, 8:13 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — A Full stop for HB 64, a house bill that would give law enforcement the right to pull over motorists who are holding their phones will driving.
According to Representative Carol Spackman, in 2016 27 people died from using cellphones while driving, “If this bill saved even one life it would be worth it.”
Spackman had the support of the Utah Highway Patrol, the Sheriff’s Association and other groups on Friday while presenting the bill. Still, concerns were raised about whether or not this bill would actually prevent distracted driving when other bills like it have failed.
“We want safe drivers. We want safe roads. But we don’t believe this bill will accomplish safer roads,” said Molly Davis, Policy Analyst with the Liberatas Institute.
Ultimately the bill failed to move passed the committee, with a three to five vote against.
Read more about the bill here.
