Salt Lake may make law that motorists hang up and drive

Salt Lake City drivers who like to chat on their cell phones while behind the wheel may have to rein in the habit if city officials decide to go ahead with a possible ban on motorists' cell-phone use.

Mayor Rocky Anderson plans to ask the City Council to consider an ordinance that would make it illegal to drive in Salt Lake City while on the phone, spokesman Patrick Thronson said.

"It was just spurred by a general concern for public safety and promoting the safety of all travelers on city streets," Thronson said Tuesday.

Salt Lake City Council members Tuesday had mixed reactions.

"I question how practical it is if we just do it as a city as opposed to a state, but I'm certainly willing to hear the proposal and try to understand how he thinks it could be accomplished," councilman Carlton Christensen said.

Christensen, who admitted to sometimes using his cell phone while driving, said the practice can be distracting and dangerous.

Councilman Dave Buhler agreed that a city ordinance might be too confusing, wondering how likely people would be to say, "Oh, I just crossed 21st South, so I have to hang up."

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon in 2005 issued an executive order prohibiting cell-phone use by county employees driving for work. Buhler said the concept of a similar ban for city employees is one he would support, but he would have to see the specifics before taking a position on a citywide ban.

With the same caveat, councilwoman Jill Remington Love said, "I think it's a good idea. I would prefer it to be voluntary, but I would be willing to take a look at it."

Other cities and states already have similar restrictions on cell-phone use. In 1999, Brooklyn, Ohio, became the first U.S. city to ban the use of hand-held communications devices while driving. Four states — California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York — as well as the District of Columbia have since followed suit.

A number of other nations also have bans, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Kenya, the Netherlands, Poland and Russia.

Specifics of the bans vary. In some states and nations, drivers can use hands-free devices that allow them to speak via cell phone without holding the phone itself. Some places ban hands-free talking for teenagers or drivers with a learner's permit.