Utah Senate passes expanded ban on driver's texting

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah's ban on texting while driving could be tightened to also prohibit reading email and entering data.

Republican Sen. Lyle Hillyard of Logan says Senate Bill 98 will ensure that drivers are focused on the road and not on their smartphones. A bill prohibiting texting by drivers was passed last year but did not account for other ways people can be distracted by their phones.

Hillyard says the bill closes a loophole allowing people to write text messages without sending them. It also expands the law to include other activities, including using applications, visiting websites or updating calendars.

Hillyard says drivers could still dial and talk on a cellphone and use navigation programs.

The bill passed the Senate Tuesday on a 21-4 vote. It now moves to the House.