Unfortunately, a number of traffic accidents occur in Oklahoma each year as a result of distracted driving. And the effects of these accidents can range from minor to severe and even result in the loss of life.
There are a number of reasons that distracted driving accidents can occur. Some of the most common reasons that these accidents occur include: texting while driving, talking on your cell phone while driving, fiddling with the radio, eating and drinking while driving, passenger distractions, looking at directions, and more.
Because of their likelihood to use electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, more than half of all distracted driving accidents involve teens and young adults. The use of these devises while driving creates a very dangerous situation for both the driver of the car who is using the devise and others on the roadway. In fact, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute estimates that a person engaged in texting while driving is actually six times more likely to be in an accident than a person who is driving drunk.
Because of the significant risk to driver’ safety that distracted driving poses, the state of Oklahoma has taken some steps to try to curb the incidents of distracted driving on Oklahoma’s roadways. One step that the state has taken is to ban the use of hand-held cellphones for anyone with a learner’s permit or graduated license. Additionally, these drivers are forbidden from texting while driving. If caught operating a motor vehicle while using these devices, drivers that fall into the aforementioned categories could have their license suspended or their permit revoked.
In addition, bus drivers in the state of Oklahoma are forbidden from texting while in operation of the bus. In addition, Oklahoma has a statewide law that prohibits distracted driving. This law states that drivers are to devote their full attention to driving while on the roadway. If a law enforcement officer observes a driver operating a vehicle in a way that poses an articulable danger, the law enforcement officer may issue a citation to the driver under the distracted driving law.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident where the driver was distracted, please call our Tulsa car accident lawyers today – we can help! Wandres law has helped hundreds of car wreck and truck accident victims recover for their injuries. A talented and experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer from our firm is ready to stand by your side.
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Tulsa, OK 74105
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Oklahoma City, OK 73112