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Traffic Safety Task Force

MINUTES OF THE

TRAFFIC SAFETY TASK FORCE

        
June 29, 1998 - 1:30 p.m. - 403 State Capitol


Members Present:
    Sen. Robert Montgomery,
        Co-Chair
    Rep. Wayne A. Harper,
        Co-Chair
    Sen. Millie M. Peterson
    Rep. Patrice Arent
    Mr. K. Craig Allred
    Mr. Beau Babka
    Mr. Bill Barnes
    Mr. Walter Borla
    Mr. Patrick Casaday
    Mr. David Creer
    Ms. Rolayne Fairclough
    Mr. David K. Miles
    Dr. Steve Ronnenkamp


Members Absent:
    Mr. Rod Betit
    Ms. Laura Drew
    Mr. Aaron D. Kennard
    Dr. Thomas Metcalf
    Ms. Linda Plouzek    

Staff Present:
    Benjamin N. Christensen,
        Research Analyst
    Dee S Larsen,
        Associate General Counsel
    Junie G. Anderson,
        Legislative Secretary


Note:    A list of others present and a copy of materials distributed in the meeting are on file in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

1.     Task Force Business - Chair Harper called the meeting to order at 1:36 p.m.

    MOTION: Mr. Casaday moved to approve the minutes of the June 16, 1998 meeting. The motion passed unanimously with Mr. Creer absent for the vote.

2.     Report on Traffic Safety Groups - Mr. Benjamin Christensen, Research Analyst, Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC), distributed a document titled "Traffic Safety Programs" that listed key groups working on traffic safety issues. Mr. Allred briefed the task force on programs identified in the handout.

    Rep. Arent suggested that staff notify the leaders of groups participating in the programs to advise them of the task force and invite them to future meetings.
        
3.      Prioritization of Key Traffic Safety Issues - Chair Harper asked task force members to fill out the survey of key study issues that had been mailed to them and return it to staff. He explained that staff would tabulate the results and announce them at the end of the meeting.

    Sen. Peterson suggested that stronger enforcement of the laws already in existence be added to the list of key safety issues. Mr. Allred said funding for additional manpower is a high priority.

4.     Seat Belt Issues - Mr. Dee Larsen, Associate General Counsel, OLRGC, distributed several handouts titled "Presidential Initiative for Increasing Seat Belt Use Nationwide - First Report to Congress," "Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century," "Presidential Initiative for Increasing Seat Belt Use Nationwide - Recommendations from The Secretary of Transportation," "Facts - State Laws 1997 - Child Restraint - Belt Laws," "Utah's Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws," and "Seat Belt/Child Restraint Policy Options." He explained each of the handouts.

    Mr. Allred distributed an article titled "Primary Enforcement of Seat Belt Use Laws Saves Lives and Reduces Injuries."

    Mr. Larry Cook, CODES, distributed a report on crash data titled "Seatbelts in Utah," and explained the data as outlined.

     MOTION: Sen. Montgomery moved that staff draft a bill that includes the following: (a) primary (standard) enforcement, (b) cover all seating positions, but secondary enforcement for rear seat, (c) increase ages to 3 years for mandatory child restraint device and 14 years for mandatory child restraint device or seat belt, (d) increase fines for first offense to $20 for seat belt and $100 for child restraint device violations, and to adopt a graduated fine system, (e) allow child restraint device and seat belt use or non-use to be admissible in civil suits, and (f) allow points for violations.

5.    Other Task Force Business - Mr. Christensen advised the task force that the top five priority study items are (a) pedestrian and child pedestrian safety, (b) seatbelts/child safety seatbelts and proper use, (c) education, public awareness, and media programs, (d) driver education and graduated driver licensing, and (e) coordinating councils.

    Mr. Miles distributed a report titled "Overall Pedestrian Accidents," and commented on the information.

6.     Adjourn -
    
    MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously at 3:36 p.m.

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