Distracted driving is a major issue that puts everyone at risk. Oklahoma has taken steps to address this problem by creating laws aimed at reducing accidents caused by distractions. Whether it is texting, messing with your GPS, or reaching for a snack, taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can be dangerous. Knowing these distracted driving laws will not only help you avoid fines but also keep you and others safe while driving.
The Ban on Texting While Driving
One of the most important laws in Oklahoma is the ban on texting while driving. We all know how distracting phones can be, and texting is one of the worst distractions out there. It takes your hands, eyes, and focus away from the road. Oklahoma law makes it crystal clear that texting while driving is illegal, and that includes when you are stopped at a red light or stop sign.
This law applies to everyone, no matter how experienced you are behind the wheel. Yes, you could face a fine, but the bigger issue is the risk of causing an accident. Texting while driving drastically increases the chance of a crash, making it one of the top causes of distracted driving accidents. So, it is simple. Keep that phone out of reach and pay attention to the road.
Hands-Free Devices Are the Way to Go
Although making a call is not completely banned, Oklahoma encourages the use of hands-free devices to reduce distractions. Let’s be honest. Taking your hands off the wheel to make a call is risky and fumbling with your phone while driving is never a smart move. Hands-free devices let you talk without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.
Sure, even talking on the phone can be a distraction, but using a hands-free option is a much safer alternative. If you really need to make a call, it is best to use a Bluetooth headset or your car’s speakerphone. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in keeping you focused on driving safely.
Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers
Oklahoma has even stricter distracted driving rules for teens. Since they are new to driving and still learning the ropes, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use any handheld devices—not for calls, texts, or anything else. And let’s face it, that makes perfect sense. Learning to drive is hard enough without the extra challenge of distractions.
The state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program includes these rules to help teens develop safe driving habits early on. Keeping their attention on the road, not on their phones, helps reduce the risk of accidents. Teens already have plenty to worry about as they get used to driving, so avoiding distractions just makes everything safer for them and everyone else on the road.
Oklahoma’s distracted driving laws are designed with everyone’s safety in mind. From banning texting while driving to promoting hands-free devices and having stricter rules for teen drivers, these laws aim to prevent accidents and keep people focused on the road. By following these laws, you are not only avoiding fines, but you are also helping make the roads safer for everyone. So next time you are driving, keep that phone out of sight and stay focused. It is a simple step that can make an enormous difference for you and those around you.
