What You Need to Know About Distracted Driving Laws in Oklahoma

Driving a car is something that requires all motorists to have their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and minds on the task of driving. Distracted driving is considered anything that interferes with these actions and is a serious problem in Oklahoma and across the country.

To combat this issue, Oklahoma has certain laws that make it illegal for drivers to engage in certain distracted driving behaviors. In this post, we’ll discuss what constitutes distracted driving and the distracted driving laws in Oklahoma.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to the act of operating a vehicle while engaging in activities that divert a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. These distractions can significantly increase the risk of accidents and endanger the safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. Distracted driving can take many forms, including:

• Texting or using an electronic device: One of the most dangerous distractions is using a cell phone to send text messages, make phone calls, or browse the internet while driving. This type of cell phone use is often referred to as “texting and driving.”
• Talking on the phone: Holding a conversation on a cell phone, including hand-held cell phones and those with a hands-free device, can divert a driver’s attention and lead to accidents.
• Eating and drinking: Consuming food and beverages while driving can cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their focus off the road.
• Adjusting the radio, GPS, or other controls: Trying to change the radio station, input navigation information, or adjust climate controls can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Grooming and personal care: Some distracted drivers engage in activities like applying makeup, shaving, or fixing their hair while driving, which can be extremely distracting.
• Interacting with passengers: Conversations and interactions with passengers can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Daydreaming or being lost in thought: Sometimes, drivers become lost in thought or preoccupied with personal issues, making them less aware of their surroundings.
• External distractions: Things happening outside the vehicle, such as looking at billboards, other accidents, or interesting events, can also distract drivers.

How Common Are Crashes Involving Distracted Drivers?

According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,522 people died last year in distracted driving crashes. There were 42 fatal accidents in Oklahoma last year. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports that most are due to distracted driving.

Distracted driving is a significant contributor to road accidents and fatalities, and the biggest offender among the distractions is texting. “It’s just one of the reasons why Oklahoma is one of 48 states that has a ban on texting while driving because we know that those cell phones are a huge cause of distraction going behind the wheel,” an ODOT spokesperson told Oklahoma News 4. “If you take your eyes off the road for even five seconds to look at a text, that’s the same as driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. That’s a long way. And a lot can happen in those five to ten seconds.”

Oklahoma Texting and Driving Law

Many governments and organizations, including the State of Oklahoma, have implemented laws, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs to combat distracted driving and encourage safe driving practices.

General distracted driving in Oklahoma is prohibited by 47 OK Stat. §47-11-901b, which states that motorists are required to devote their full time and attention to driving. Distracted driving is a significant contributor to road accidents and fatalities, and the biggest offender among the distractions is texting. Thus, state lawmakers also enacted a texting ban in 2015, which makes it illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle using a handheld electronic communication device to:

• Write texts
• Send text messages
• Read text messages

Adults are permitted to make phone calls with a hand held cell phone, but novice drivers, such as those with permits or graduated licenses, are prohibited from using handheld devices in any form while behind the wheel. The same restrictions also apply to commercial drivers, including public transit drivers and school bus drivers. Additionally, Oklahoma bans any type of cellphone use in school zones.

Penalties for Violating Distracted Driving Laws

Unlike many other states, texting and driving in Oklahoma is considered a primary offense, meaning that a law enforcement officer does not have to witness the driver breaking another traffic law (speeding, running through a red light or stop sign, etc.). Under primary enforcement laws, a law enforcement officer can pull over a driver for texting and driving even with no other traffic offense taking place by the driver.

A first offense of distracted driving results in a $100 fine. Teenagers who are cited for distracted driving may have their license taken away. Commercial or public transportation drivers who violate the law may be fined up to $500.

There are a few exceptions to Oklahoma’s texting and driving ban, including communicating with:

• An emergency response officer
• A hospital, physician’s office, or other health clinic
• The provider of ambulance services
• The provider of firefighter services
• A law enforcement agency

What Makes Distracted Driving Accidents so Dangerous?

Distracted driving is dangerous because it significantly impairs a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react to changing traffic conditions. The primary factors that make distracted driving so hazardous include:

Reduced Attention

When a driver is distracted, their attention is diverted away from the task of driving. This can result in delayed reaction times and an inability to quickly identify and respond to potential hazards.

Impaired Decision-Making

Distracted drivers may make poor decisions on the road. They may not assess risks accurately or choose to engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding or following too closely.

Decreased Situational Awareness

Distractions can lead to a decrease in a driver’s situational awareness, making it difficult to notice important information, like traffic signs, signals, or the behavior of other road users.

Impaired Vision

Looking away from the road, even for a few seconds, can be long enough to miss critical events, such as sudden stops by the vehicle in front of the driver or the presence of pedestrians or cyclists.

Increased Reaction Time

Distracted drivers often have longer reaction times when unexpected situations arise, which can lead to collisions or near misses.

Inability to Multitask Effectively

While some people believe they can multitask, the human brain is not designed to handle complex tasks simultaneously. Diverting attention to a secondary task, like texting or using a smartphone, can cause cognitive overload, reducing the ability to focus on driving.

Impaired Manual Control

Many distractions, such as texting or adjusting the radio, require drivers to take their hands off the wheel, impairing their ability to control the vehicle.

Cognitive Distraction

Even activities that do not require physical engagement, such as daydreaming or engaging in deep conversations, can divert cognitive resources away from driving and lead to lapses in attention.

Increased Risk of Accidents

Studies have shown that distracted driving significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and collisions. It is a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities.

Legal Consequences

Distracted driving is often illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. Knowing the legal consequences should act as a deterrent, but many drivers still engage in distracted behaviors.

Talk to a Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver

If you or a loved one was injured in a distracted driving accident,  is ready to stand in your corner and protect your rights to fair and full compensation. Get in touch with our legal team at 631-769-8431 to learn more about your legal options.