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David Stanley Ford

AAA campaign seeks Oklahoma ban on texting behind the wheel

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Published: October 20, 2009
Modified: October 21, 2009 at 12:56 am

What do these states have in common: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina and Tennessee?

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These seven states, plus 11 more, and Washington, D.C., have laws making texting while driving illegal.

You may have heard about AAA’s campaign to add Oklahoma to this list. Whether you agree not, it’s instructive to look at what our neighboring states have done regarding texting behind the wheel.

Arkansas bans texting by drivers of all ages. The law’s enforcement is "primary,” which means you can be ticketed for just this offense; you don’t need to be stopped for something else first.

The law took effect in February.

Colorado will outlaw texting by all drivers, under primary enforcement, starting Dec. 1. Its law also will ban cell phone use by drivers younger than 18.

Kansas outlaws texting by teens who have learn-er’s permits and intermediate licenses; Missouri bans texting by drivers younger than 22; and in Texas, it’s illegal for school bus drivers, teens who have intermediate licenses and drivers in school zones to text.

Only New Mexico is like Oklahoma, with no laws governing texting or use of cell phones by drivers.

Chuck Mai is vice president of public affairs for AAA Oklahoma. E-mail him at chuck.mai@aaaok.org.

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Science and Technology, Technology, Texting and MMS


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April, my GPS system will not take input with the car in D or R....just a safety measure to help prevent accidents.
Don, Calion - Oct 20, 2009 at 5:39 pm
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On the subject of GPS and navigation systems...if you are entering location information into a GPS or navi (even if it came standard wiht the car) while driving is that not still texting? So technically they SHOULD make navi's and GPS in autos illegal...otherwise that wouldn't that be discriminating???
April, Oklahoma City - Oct 20, 2009 at 5:16 pm
As long as we're banning texting, can we also ban putting on makeup, shaving, brushing your teeth, eating, drinking any beverge, using a computer, using a GPS, reading, getting dressed and any other activity that keeps the driver from driving?
stephen, Elk City - Oct 20, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I second Louis Friend's comment.
Amber, norman - Oct 20, 2009 at 11:08 am
Considering they "police and legislature" aren't doing a dang thing about all the vehicles rolling around with burned out headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and separating tires. Just how the heck are they going to enforce this one.... I say you would likely save more lives by bringing back vehicle inspections every two years. Heck, they can't even enforce the laws regarding headlights and wipers. When it's raining and your wipers are on, your headlights are supposed to be ON. Can't say the number of times I've seen idiots driving in bad conditions without headlights. It's sad.
Doug, Midwest City - Oct 20, 2009 at 10:45 am
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Aw, c'mon! Texting while driving is probably no more hazardous than, say, a surgeon texting while operating!
Kevin, Oklahoma City - Oct 20, 2009 at 10:11 am
I am all for people not being stupid, but why is it they are just going after texting? If we are going to write a law, shouldn't it cover ANY type of activity that takes your attention off the road? How about putting on make up while driving? How about reading a magazine or news paper while driving? All of these are just as dangerous and need to be able to be enforced.
Louis Friend, Norman - Oct 20, 2009 at 9:52 am

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