Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Distracted driving is a significant safety issue on Tulsa’s roads, contributing to numerous accidents and injuries each year. While texting and phone calls have long been known as leading distractions, social media platforms like TikTok have introduced a new risk for drivers.
Many people are now recording videos, participating in trends, or even live-streaming while behind the wheel, often unaware of the dangers this presents. This behavior not only jeopardizes the safety of the driver but also puts others at risk.
The increasing use of TikTok while driving is a troubling trend, particularly among younger drivers. TikTok encourages users to record short videos, and for some, doing so while driving has become a way to gain attention or followers. However, this practice distracts drivers in three critical ways: visually, manually, and cognitively. With the growing number of distracted driving incidents in Tulsa, drivers need to be aware of the dangers and take preventative measures to drive safely.
One video isn’t worth a life. TikTok can wait—your safety can’t.
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road due to an activity, device, or event inside or outside the vehicle. In Tulsa, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, contributing to severe injuries and fatalities every year. Although texting and making phone calls are common distractions, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok has introduced a new risk.
TikTok is a mobile app that allows users to create and share short videos, often featuring music, dance routines, and challenges. For many, it’s become a way to showcase creativity and gain followers. Unfortunately, some drivers record videos or engage with the app while driving, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Social media behind the wheel turns every scroll into a potential crash.
Oklahoma’s laws prohibit texting while driving, but they are not specific to social media use while driving, like TikTok. According to Oklahoma state law, any activity that takes a driver’s focus off the road is considered distracted driving and is subject to fines and penalties. Although there is no specific law banning TikTok while driving, drivers engaging in TikTok-related activities—such as recording videos or live streaming—are breaking the law if they cause distractions that result in accidents.
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office provides statistics and educational resources to remind drivers that any form of distracted driving, whether it’s texting, video recording, or using social media, poses a threat to public safety.
In 2021, 2,093 car accidents were leading to injuries or fatalities in Tulsa County, with distracted driving being a significant factor. — Oklahoma Highway Safety Office
The dangers of distracted driving are evident in real-life incidents, such as the tragic case involving Florida teenager Noah Galle. In 2021, Noah was recording a TikTok video while driving 151 mph, leading to a horrific crash that killed six people. This case highlights the extreme dangers of recording videos while driving.
While incidents like Noah’s are extreme, similar actions in Oklahoma have resulted in accidents. Young drivers, often influenced by social media trends, may think it’s harmless to make a TikTok video while driving. However, the consequences can be deadly
| Year | Total Distracted Driving Crashes in Tulsa | Fatalities | Serious Injuries | Minor Injuries | Property Damage |
| 2021 | 2,093 | 24 | 34 | 189 | 1,137 |
| 2020 | 1,950 | 20 | 30 | 170 | 1,100 |
| 2019 | 1,800 | 18 | 28 | 160 | 1,050 |
Data sourced from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
As shown in the table, distracted driving accidents have been steadily increasing, with a rise in both fatalities and injuries. While the majority of these accidents involve texting and phone calls, more incidents are now linked to social media activities, such as TikTok.
Preventing distracted driving starts with understanding the dangers and actively trying to stay away from distractions. Here are some essential tips:
Keep your phone out of reach: Place it in the glove compartment or back seat so you won’t be tempted to use it while driving
If you or someone you know has been injured in a distracted driving accident, it’s essential to seek legal help. An experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Distracted driving accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. In cases where drivers are recording videos or engaging with social media apps like TikTok, evidence such as video footage, cell phone records, and witness statements can help establish liability.
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
A Tulsa car accident lawyer can help assemble the required documentation and bargain with insurance companies to guarantee just compensation.
Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. This can include texting, talking on the phone, or using social media platforms like TikTok while driving.
While there isn’t a law explicitly banning TikTok use, any activity that distracts a driver, such as recording videos, is illegal under Oklahoma’s distracted driving laws.
Penalties for distracted driving can include fines, suspension of a driver’s license, and increased insurance rates. Serious accidents caused by distracted driving can also result in criminal charges.
Evidence can include video footage from dash cameras or social media apps, cell phone records, witness statements, and police reports that confirm the driver’s actions before the crash.
Yes, a lawyer can help you gather evidence, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Legal professionals can also help you navigate complex accident claims.
Distracted driving, particularly due to TikTok and other social media apps, is a growing concern on Tulsa’s roadways. Whether you’re driving or sharing the road with others, it’s crucial to understand the risks of distraction and take preventive measures to stay safe.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident, seeking legal advice is vital. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers are here to help you with your personal injury claims, offering the guidance and support you need to recover. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your case.
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.
