explaining the utah cell phone and driving law

Explaining the Utah Cell Phone & Driving Law

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There has been a lot of confusion regarding the new cell phone law in Utah. Lawmakers attempted to allow some behaviors that they felt were not as dangerous as others. This attempt at avoiding an all-out ban on cell phone use while driving has left some drivers unsure about what conduct is acceptable. The following is the relevant section of the new statute:

Utah Code: Title 41/Chapter 6A/Section 1716:

(2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a person may not use a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state to manually:

(a) write, send, or read a written communication, including:

(i) a text message;

(ii) an instant message; or

(iii) electronic mail;

(b) dial a phone number;

(c) access the Internet;

(d) view or record video; or

(e) enter data into a handheld wireless communication device.

(3) Subsection (2) does not prohibit a person from using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle:

(a) when using a handheld communication device for voice communication;

(b) to view a global positioning or navigation device or a global positioning or navigation application;

(c) during a medical emergency;

(d) when reporting a safety hazard or requesting assistance relating to a safety hazard;

(e) when reporting criminal activity or requesting assistance relating to a criminal activity;

(f) when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the  course and scope of the law enforcement officer’s or emergency service personnel’s employment; or

(g) to operate:

(i) hands-free or voice operated technology; or

(ii) a system that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.

 Our Summary

Once you break it down, it’s not that complicated. The main emphasis of the law is to entirely eliminate data entry while driving; that means no typing. No typing a text, email, or even a phone number. It also bans surfing the web and recording or viewing video. However, Utah drivers can still answer calls, make calls without dialing, and use their g.p.s.

If you have other questions related to Utah Auto Law, check out our free legal resources tab at stglegal.com.

safety town graduates

Safety Town 2014 – City of St. George, Utah

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Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United State once said, “Children are our most valuable resource.”

At McMullin Injury Law, we could not agree more.  We recognize the value of education and in particular the value of educating our youth.  For that reason, we are proud to once again be associated with the City of St. George and their 2014 youth safety program Safety Town.

The safety town program is very special as it teaches “important, life-long lessons about safety.”  The program educates our kids on pedestrian safety, internet safety, bike/scooter safety, stranger danger, drug awareness, fire safety, bullying and more.

As a graduate of Safety Town, our attorney Anthony McMullin, is fully aware of the fun and education that comes from attending this program.  In fact, even in his “old age” Mr. McMullin remembers attending Safety Town.  These memories include, riding little push cars around the painted streets of Safety Town, meeting McGruff the Crime Dog, and enjoying cookies and orange drink from the local McDonalds.

Kudos to the City of St. George for sponsoring and putting on this great program for our kids.  If you would like more information on Safety Town and how to get your kids

Safety Town Graduates

A few of the 2014 City of St. George Safety Town Graduates

2014 Saftey Town

Anthony McMullin, attorney at McMullin Injury Law and 2014 Safety Town Mayor.

Client Testimonial – Nevada Car Crash

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As a Utah personal injury law firm, we strive to provide excellent service to each and every client.  It is our belief that it speaks volumes when someone takes the time to recount a positive experience.  Below is a testimonial we recently received from one of our valued clients:

“I had a very positive experience with McMullin Injury Law.  Everything was handled in a timely manner and very efficiently.  Anthony and Kacee are very accessible and very personable.  I have not had much experience with attorneys but Anthony made my opinion of lawyers a lot more positive.  I would give my experience with the office of McMullin Injury Law a 10.”