Distracted Driving: A Growing Problem in Tulsa
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Oklahoma. Despite laws prohibiting texting while driving, many drivers still engage in reckless behaviors that put others at risk.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, in a single recent year, over 2,000 car accidents in the state were linked to driver inattention.
Types of Distracted Driving
✔️ Manual distractions – Removing hands from the wheel (e.g., texting, eating, reaching for an object).
✔️ Visual distractions – Taking eyes off the road (e.g., checking a GPS, looking at a passenger).
✔️ Cognitive distractions – Thinking about something other than driving (e.g., talking on the phone, daydreaming).
Tulsa Laws on Distracted Driving
✔️ Texting and driving is illegal – Oklahoma bans texting while driving statewide under HB 1965.
✔️ Handheld phone use restrictions – While making calls isn’t banned, using a phone in an unsafe manner can lead to negligence claims.
Who’s Liable for a Distracted Driving Accident?
✔️ The at-fault driver for failing to maintain safe driving practices.
✔️ The employer, if the driver was distracted while working.
✔️ A rideshare company, if an Uber or Lyft driver was at fault.
How to Prove Distracted Driving Caused the Crash
✔️ Cell phone records – Show if the driver was texting at the time of impact.
✔️ Eyewitness testimony – Passengers or bystanders may confirm the driver was distracted.
✔️ Traffic camera footage – May capture the driver looking away from the road.
✔️ Police reports – Officers often note signs of distracted driving.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Call Tate Law Firm PLLC!
Don’t let negligent drivers get away with reckless behavior. Contact Tate Law Firm PLLC at 918-805-3955 for a free consultation today!