APCIA Urging No to Utah’s HB 144 Bill on Right of Way

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association wants Utah senators to vote no on HB 144, a bill the APCIA says is confusing and could be interpreted as a drivers’ right of way on a green light is absolute.

“Utah senators must use common sense and vote No on HB 144, said Lyn Elliott, APCIA assistant vice president for state government relations. “All drivers have a duty to avoid hitting other cars, objects, or people when they have an opportunity to stop. Even if you have the right of way, every driver has the duty to maintain proper look out and control of their vehicle.”

The Utah Drivers Handbook says that if the driver turning left has an opportunity to avoid a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, they are obligated to do so.

The Utah Senate voted down HB 144 this week, but the bill was given reconsideration and could come up for another vote on the Utah Senate floor.