House committee supports fines for teens using phones while driving

“My kids aren't supposed to use their phones while they drive,” Morgan said. “This piece of legislation goes right in line with my parenting.”

As guardian of 12-year-old Neko, Sherry Jardine of West Valley City said she supports the bill. 

“When he's old enough to drive, I don't want him in accidents that could injure him or someone else,” Jardine said.

Jardine, a health teacher at Hunter High School, said she talks to her students about the dangers of using a cellphone while driving.

“Teens aren't seasoned in driving,” she said. “They are so easily distracted, and enforcing no talking while driving would help them build good habits early on.”

Jardine said she has learned to apply her own instruction in her daily life.

“It was a hard habit to break,” she said. “As an adult, I used to think I could do that, but I realized it's not safe for anybody.”

Jardine also has noticed her grandson is always watching her.

“He's seen me pull to the side of the road to text, and he now grabs my phone and answers it if it rings while I'm driving,” Jardine said.

Texting and driving already is unlawful in Utah. “Careless driving” — committing a moving violation under distraction of a handheld cellphone or other device — is also against the law.

The bill will now go on to the full House for consideration.

E-mail: rlowry@desnews.com