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 continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes on Oklahoma roads. As phones and in-car technology become more common, drivers face more temptations than ever. Knowing how to avoid these distractions isn’t just smart — it’s a crucial part of staying safe behind the wheel.
This guide explains what distracted driving really means, how Oklahoma law treats it, and what steps you can take to reduce the risk. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, it’s also essential to understand your rights under Oklahoma law.
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the road. It falls into three main categories: visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), and cognitive (mind off driving). Some distractions involve more than one type.
Common distractions include:
Even a short distraction — just a few seconds — can lead to a crash.
Five seconds is the average amount of time you spend looking away from the road when texting, which is enough to go across a football pitch at 55 mph. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Phone use while driving is one of the most significant contributors to distracted driving accidents. Many drivers check texts, scroll through social media, or make calls while behind the wheel. In fact, recent studies show that younger drivers are particularly at risk.
Other common distractions include:
These behaviors may seem harmless, but they can have serious consequences. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving caused 3,308 deaths across the United States in 2022.
Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in the U.S. in 2022, with mobile phones being a leading factor in fatal crashes. – NHTSA.
In Oklahoma, texting while driving is banned for all drivers. It’s considered a primary offense, which means law enforcement officers can pull over and cite a driver solely for texting behind the wheel.
Under Oklahoma law, texting while driving is a primary offense [47 O.S. § 11-901d], implying that an officer may pull over and cite a driver for simply texting
Preventing distracted driving starts with making a few wise choices before you even start the engine. These habits can make a big difference
Before driving, silence your phone and place it out of reach. This removes the temptation to check messages or scroll through apps while on the road.
Please take a moment to set your GPS and select your playlist before leaving. Do not adjust these settings while moving.
If you need to send a message, take a call, or check directions, pull into a safe area such as a parking lot. Don’t try to multitask while driving
If your vehicle supports hands-free calling, use it only when necessary. Remember, even hands-free conversations can be mentally distracting.
If you’re driving with others, ask a passenger to handle phone calls, text messages, or navigation.
Even a few seconds of phone use can lead to a lifetime of consequences.
Technology can also play a role in reducing distracted driving. Many smartphones and newer vehicles come equipped with features designed to keep your focus on the road.
Some helpful tools include:
Proposals like “driver mode” — which would block certain apps while driving — may also be implemented in future phone software.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by someone who was distracted, you may have a legal claim. Proving that the other driver was using a phone or engaged in another form of distraction can help establish negligence.
Under Oklahoma law, injured victims may be eligible for compensation, including:
Phone records, witness testimony, and dashcam footage can all support your case.
Type of Distraction | Examples | Safety Risk |
| Visual | Reading a text, checking GPS | Takes eyes off the road |
| Manual | Typing, adjusting the radio | Takes hands off the steering wheel |
| Cognitive | Daydreaming, talking on phone | Takes mind off driving |
| Combination | Texting while driving | Most dangerous, combines all three |
Distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes, hands, or focus off the road. This includes texting, eating, talking on the phone, or using in-car systems.
Yes, if you’re manually typing while driving. Setting directions before your trip or using voice-guided apps is a safer option.
Yes. If it’s shown that you were distracted, you can be held legally responsible and may have to pay damages.
Drivers can use hands-free features or make emergency calls, but texting and typing while driving is prohibited.
A lawyer can gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and handle negotiations to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses
No. Hands-free tools reduce manual distractions, but your attention still needs to be entirely on the road to avoid mistakes.
Distracted driving puts lives at risk — but it’s also one of the most preventable dangers on Oklahoma roads. Staying focused, using safety tools, and following the law can help you drive more safely. If a distracted driver injures you or someone you care about, it’s essential to know your legal rights.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps Tulsa crash victims pursue justice after distracted driving accidents. Our team investigates thoroughly and works hard to build strong legal claims. Every case matters —and maintaining the safety of our roadways is the responsibility of all drivers.
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.
