Did you know that you are guilty of careless driving, a class C misdemeanor, in Utah if you are shaving or putting on mascara while operating a motor vehicle and you commit a moving traffic violation other than speeding? (Speeding has its own consequences.) Although that may seem obvious to a lot of people, it may not be so evident to the man or woman who is attending to their personal hygiene on the way to work tomorrow.
Photo: Marc Flores
The problem with grooming yourself while driving is not just the possible side effects that may happen to you, but the potential accident waiting to involve other innocent drivers and bystanders you may literally come in contact with. The same can be said for those pesky cell phones. If you commit a moving traffic violation while using a wireless telephone or other electronic device, unless you are using a hands-free or listening-free feature, you may be sitting in a jail cell for up to 90 days.
Another situation to avoid while driving is becoming distracted while searching for an item in your vehicle. Again, you’ll likely be charged with a class C misdemeanor if you are caught searching while you make a traffic violation.
If you are convicted of any of these careless driving crimes and your actions result in the death of another person, you may also have your driver’s license revoked by a judge.
One bit of advice we can pass on is the easiest: keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road—somebody out there cares about you and wants you to come home tonight. Our other advice is to call a Utah criminal defense attorney if you have been charged or may be charged with a crime in Utah. Nobody’s perfect. That’s why there are people who will help you with any legal situation, no matter the size, at a moment’s notice. Call an attorney today.
