What You Need to Know About Texting and Driving in Oklahoma

Texting while driving laws are a fairly recent development in quite a few states and cities, and because of this many drivers are unfamiliar with what can and cannot be done with a smartphone while driving. Last year, Oklahoma passed a texting and driving law that sets forth specific restrictions and penalties and it’s important for drivers in Tulsa to be aware of what activities are prohibited. Here’s what you should know so you can avoid issues on the road and hold others responsible.

The new texting and driving law in Oklahoma went into effect in November 2015. Under this new law, drivers cannot text or otherwise type with their phones while the vehicle is moving. This includes a prohibition on the use of a phone to check social media and emails, as well as a ban on taking photographs and videos with phones while driving. However, the law does allow drivers to use a smartphone for GPS and music purposes. Drivers are also permitted to talk on their phones while driving and may text while the vehicle is stationary (e.g., stopped at a stop light). There is one caveat to these permitted activities – drivers cannot engage in these activities if it distracts their ability to drive.

The new texting rules have been put in place for a variety of reasons. Studies have shown that texting while driving takes a driver’s eyes off of the road for approximately 4.6 seconds. For a vehicle traveling at 55 mph, 4.6 seconds is equivalent to the length of a football field. A driver who texts while driving is also six times more likely to crash than a person who drives under the influence of alcohol.

If you have been involved in a car accident where distracted driving was a factor, call a Tulsa car accident lawyer immediately to discuss your case. Contact Wandres Law at (918) 641-4044 for a free consultation on any type of personal injury case.