Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of serious crashes across Oklahoma, including right here in Tulsa. Whether it’s reading a message or scrolling through an app, even a few seconds of inattention behind the wheel can change lives forever. One of the most heartbreaking examples is the death of Bobbi White, an Owasso school teacher who was killed in a crash involving a distracted driver.
In response, Senator J.J. Dossett introduced the Bobbi White Act, a proposed law that would ban all manual use of handheld electronic devices while driving in Oklahoma. The goal is to strengthen existing laws and help prevent future tragedies by keeping drivers focused on the road.
This blog breaks down the proposed law’s coverage, how it compares to current rules, and what it could mean for drivers, accident victims, and families across the state.
In May, Owasso teacher Bobbi White was killed in a crash caused by a distracted driver. The driver was using a handheld device at the time of the accident. To honor her memory and take action against distracted driving, Senator J.J. Dossett introduced a bill now known as the Bobbi White Act.
This proposed law would make it illegal to use a handheld electronic device while driving manually. That means drivers wouldn’t just be banned from texting—they’d also be prohibited from holding a phone to make calls, scroll through apps, or use social media. Only hands-free use would be allowed under the new law.
The Bobbi White Act would prohibit any manual use of handheld devices while driving, even for actions beyond texting. — Senator J.J. Dossett.
The bill targets the broader problem of cellphone use while driving, which current Oklahoma law does not fully address.
Right now, Oklahoma bans texting while driving, but many other actions using a phone are still legal. Under Title 47 O.S. § 11-901d, drivers are not allowed to send or receive text messages while the vehicle is in motion. However, talking on the phone, browsing, or using navigation apps by touch is still permitted.
That means unless a police officer sees a driver texting specifically, it can be hard to enforce distracted driving laws. This gap in the law allows unsafe behavior to continue, even when it increases the risk of serious crashes.
Under Oklahoma Statute Title 47 § 11-901d, texting while driving is prohibited, but other uses of phones are not yet banned.
The Bobbi White Act would expand this restriction and make enforcement easier by banning all manual use of handheld devices.
Distracted driving is more than just an inconvenience — it’s deadly. Tulsa has seen a rise in distracted driving accidents in recent years, especially involving teens and young drivers. The widespread use of smartphones has made it easier for drivers to lose focus, even for a few seconds.
Those few seconds can lead to devastating crashes.
Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Bobbi White Act strongly suggests that any distraction involving a device is too much. It’s not just about writing new laws—it’s about changing behavior and protecting lives.
To understand why this bill matters, consider some facts that show how dangerous distracted driving really is.
Every day in the U.S., about 11 teens die in crashes involving texting and driving. — CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
| Behavior | Crash Risk Increase | Legality in Oklahoma (2025 Pre-Bill) | Legality Under Proposed Bill |
| Texting while driving | 23x | Illegal | Illegal |
| Talking on handheld phone | 4x | Legal | Illegal |
| Browsing social media/apps | Varies | Legal | Illegal |
| Using hands-free features | Minimal | Legal | Legal |
These numbers make it clear that small actions — like checking a message or answering a call — can have serious consequences.
If you or someone in your family is hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, your first step should be to get medical care. Once you’re safe, gather as much information as possible from the accident scene: photos, names of witnesses, and the other driver’s insurance details.
You may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Proving that the other driver was distracted can make a big difference in your case.
That’s where having a legal team helps. An attorney can request phone records, interview witnesses, and work with crash experts to show that the other driver was not paying attention.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have experience handling distracted driving cases in Tulsa. We know how to build a strong case, deal with insurance adjusters, and fight for compensation — all while you focus on healing.
The bill seeks to ban the manual use of all handheld devices while driving, not just texting. That means any non-hands-free interaction with a phone—calling, browsing, messaging—would be prohibited.
Under existing Oklahoma law, only texting while driving is banned. Unless this new bill passes, other activities like talking or using apps are still allowed.
Violators face a $100 fine. However, enforcement challenges and loopholes often make the law less effective
Yes. If the other driver was distracted—such as using a phone—you may be entitled to compensation. Evidence like phone records can help prove negligence.
Bobbi White was an Owasso Middle School teacher who died in a crash caused by a distracted driver. The bill honors her memory and aims to prevent similar tragedies.
Distracted driving may serve as proof of fault. This can impact the outcome of insurance settlements and help support a stronger injury claim.
The Bobbi White Act could meaningfully change Oklahoma’s traffic laws by banning all manual use of handheld devices behind the wheel. It’s a step toward safer roads and a tribute to a life lost far too soon.
If you’ve been affected by distracted driving, it’s essential to know your rights. Working with a trusted legal team can help you seek justice and move forward. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we handle distracted driving cases with care, diligence, and a focus on real results.
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.
