Key findings in a new report released Tuesday by the Utah Foundation include Utah’s need for a universal motorcycle helmet law and increased education concerning seat belt safety and distracted driving.
The 70-year-old public policy and research organization unveiled its latest work, Utah in the Fast Lane: An Analysis of Driving and Recommendations for Traffic Safety, in front of Salt Lake City’s Police Department.
“Utah has optimal laws on impaired driving, booster seat use and seat belt enforcement,” says Utah Foundation Research Analyst Melissa Proctor. “But we need work on teen driving, motorcycle helmets and distracted driving.”
After Utah’s booster seat law took effect in 2008, usage increased 46 percent, Proctor said, which led to greater safety for children in accidents.
“Despite extensive public campaigns and support of booster seats before the legislation, it was the legislation that seems to have been the key in improving usage,” Proctor added.
On May 12, Utah’s new seat belt law takes effect. Spearheaded by Rep. Lee Perry, R-Perry through the state’s recent legislative session, HB79 makes not wearing a seat belt a primary offense, meaning that cops can pull vehicles over when they see that occupants are unrestrained.
“HB79 allows us to use enforcement and education hand in hand, not in a heavy-handed way but in a way that will promote safety on our roadways,” Perry said Tuesday.
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