Corroon ban targets driving and phones

It's official: Some Salt Lake County workers will have to hang up before they drive.

Mayor Peter Corroon has signed an executive order banning use of two-way radios and cell phones — even hands-free models — for county business while driving.

The order applies to employees in the departments of Administrative Services, Community Services, Economic Development, Human Services and Public Works, and not those under the direction of elected officials, including the sheriff, district attorney and County Council.

Exceptions will be made for reporting emergencies, accidents, fires or crimes, or when use falls under approved division or department policies.

"Protecting the public is government's number one priority," Corroon said in a prepared statement. "And the risk of injury and property damage increase substantially when drivers use cell phones."