Posted By Ron Kramer on February 2, 2010

Former Republican Senate majority leader Sheldon Killpack has just been charged with 2 misdemeanors: the first, a class C charge of failing to signal and the second, a class B count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to KSL News, charging documents show that Killpack had a .11 content of alcohol in his system at the time he was stopped by police.

In a bit of sad irony, Killpack’s father was killed while Killpack was a teenager from a Utah drunk driving accident. Killpack, presumably based on this history, has successfully sponsored drunk driving legislation in the 6 years he has held office. Now, that same legislation will potentially shape the consequences he will face in his unfortunate drunk driving situation.

Regarding the charge of failure to signal, this is governed by Utah state law:

41-6a-804. Turning or changing lanes.
(1) (a) A person may not turn a vehicle or move right or left on a roadway or change lanes until:
(i) the movement can be made with reasonable safety; and
(ii) an appropriate signal has been given as provided under this section.
(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left or to change lanes shall be given continuously for at least the last two seconds preceding the beginning of the movement.

Too often in Utah, we see motorists who completely fail to signal at all – much less signal for less than the two seconds required under law. The failure to signal puts other motorists at risk who may be legally attempting to change lanes only to find out that the non-signaling motorist is already moving over into their intended lane of travel. Utah car accidents can and do occur because of this failure to follow Utah’s motor safety rules.

Ron Kramer is a Utah personal injury attorney who represents victims of Utah drunk driving accidents as well as Utah car accidents involving simple negligence, such as failing to signal or yield or failure to keep a proper lookout.

Categories: Utah Drunk Driving Accident
Tags: