Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Tulsa and across Oklahoma. A momentary glance at a phone, a quick bite of food, or a conversation that pulls your mind off the road—these small actions can have devastating consequences. For many crash victims, the impact of a distracted driver changes everything in an instant.
In this post, we’ll explain what counts as distracted driving, what Oklahoma law says about it, and what steps you can take if you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a daily commuter, or someone recovering from a crash, understanding your rights is an essential first step.
Distracted driving happens when something pulls your focus away from the road. That could mean taking your eyes off traffic, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving altogether. The CDC breaks down distractions into three main types:
Texting while driving is dangerous because it combines all three types. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to tragedy.
Oklahoma has taken steps to reduce these crashes by making texting while driving illegal.
In Oklahoma, it is illegal to use a hand‑held electronic device to send or read text messages while driving—a primary offense under HB 1965.
The Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act make texting while driving a primary offense. That means an officer can stop you even if you’re not doing anything else wrong.
Under 47 OK Stat § 11-901b, all drivers are required to give their full attention to driving. If an accident results from a violation of this law, it can be used to prove negligence. Hand-held phone use is banned for teens with learner or intermediate licenses.
Bills like HB 2263 aim to tighten distracted driving rules by banning more types of phone use. If passed, it could limit all hand-held device use, not just texting.
Unfortunately, distracted driving remains a serious problem on Oklahoma roads.
Oklahoma saw nearly 8,000 distracted-driving crashes in 2021, with 44 resulting in fatalities—teen drivers aged 16–25 were most involved.
The numbers show the scope of the problem. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, thousands of crashes are tied to distractions every year. Teens and young adults are particularly vulnerable, both as distracted drivers and as victims.
After a crash, proving the other driver was distracted can make a big difference in your case. That’s because violating traffic laws can be considered negligence per se—meaning the law itself shows fault.
To build a strong case, it helps to gather:
If the other driver admits to using their phone or if an officer reports it, that becomes key evidence for your personal injury claim.
The minutes after a crash are critical. If you can do so safely, try to collect as much information as possible. Here’s what can help:
Even if the other driver denies distraction, phone records or surveillance footage may later tell a different story.
Driver Category | Illegal Action | First Offense Penalty | Statute |
| All drivers | Texting while driving | $100 fine (primary offense) | 47 OK Stat § 11‑901b |
| Teen/learner drivers | Hand-held phone use | $100 + license suspension possible | 47 OK Stat § 11‑901d |
| Adult drivers (reckless distracted driving) | Broad distraction w/ injury or risk | Up to $1,000 fine, jail (2nd offense) | § 47-11-901 |
Distracted driving claims can be more complicated to prove than standard car accidents. That’s where an experienced attorney can help.
A personal injury lawyer can help by:
If you’re unsure whether the other driver was distracted, it’s still worth speaking to a lawyer. A thorough investigation might uncover what you can’t see at first.
Yes. It’s illegal for all drivers to manually send or read text messages while driving in Oklahoma. This law is enforced as a primary offense, meaning police don’t need another reason to stop the vehicle.
Minors caught texting while driving can face a $100 fine and may have their license suspended. Adult drivers may face a fine but typically won’t lose their license unless other violations apply.
Nearly 8,000 distracted-driving crashes occurred in Oklahoma in 2021 alone. Teens and young drivers are most affected. Fatalities and injuries continue to rise despite public awareness campaigns.
Key evidence includes phone usage logs, dashcam or traffic footage, police officer notes, and eyewitness testimony. Even small details can help confirm the distraction occurred.
Yes. If texting or other distractions caused the crash, the driver may be found negligent. This supports claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
A local attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. Their knowledge of Oklahoma law strengthens your case.
Distracted driving is a growing threat on Tulsa’s roads—but it’s entirely preventable. Whether the distraction is a text, a call, or something else, just a few seconds of lost focus can change lives. Oklahoma’s laws are in place to hold distracted drivers accountable, but proving your case requires strong evidence and legal know-how.
If you or a loved one has been injured because another driver wasn’t paying attention, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options. With a deep understanding of Tulsa’s legal system and a strong record of handling distracted driving claims, the firm is prepared to support your case with care and determination.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
