What Does Oklahoma Law Say About Cell Phone Use and Distracted Driving? 

You see more often on Oklahoma roads than you’d like. A driver drifting over the lane or going slower for no discernable reason. A sudden brake at a red light or a delayed reaction at a green light. More often than not, the cause is the same: driving while on the phone instead of keeping one’s eyes and attention on the road. 

Distracted driving has become one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of car accidents in Oklahoma. Yet many drivers still don’t fully understand what Oklahoma law actually says about cell phone use behind the wheel or how those laws affect liability after a crash. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and suspect the other driver was distracted, knowing the law matters. And knowing how to hold that driver accountable matters even more. 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, The Wolf Pack™ helps injured Oklahomans cut through the confusion and fight back when reckless, distracted driving causes serious harm. 

What Is Distracted Driving? 

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from safely operating their vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distraction falls into three main categories: 

• Visual distractions: taking your eyes off the road 

• Manual distractions: taking your hands off the wheel 

• Cognitive distractions: taking your mind off driving 

Cell phone use often involves all three at once, which is why it is so dangerous. 

But distracted driving goes beyond phones. It can also include: 

• Eating or drinking 

• Adjusting GPS or music 

• Talking to passengers 

• Grooming 

• Reading or looking at objects inside the car 

When these distractions lead to a crash, the distracted driver may be legally responsible for the injuries and damage they cause. 

What Does Oklahoma Law Say About Cell Phone Use While Driving? 

Oklahoma law takes distracted driving seriously, especially when it comes to texting and novice drivers. 

Texting While Driving Is Illegal in Oklahoma 

Under Oklahoma law, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers. This includes: 

• Writing text messages 

• Reading text messages 

• Sending instant messages 

• Using social media or email while driving 

The relevant statute makes it unlawful to manually type or read text-based communications while operating a motor vehicle. 

Violating this law can result in fines, and more importantly, it can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. 

Cell Phone Use and Teen Drivers 

Oklahoma has stricter rules for novice and teen drivers. 

Drivers under the age of 18, as well as any driver with a learner’s permit or intermediate license are prohibited from using a cell phone in any capacity while driving—hands-free or otherwise. 

If a teen driver causes an accident while using a phone, that violation can play a significant role in determining fault. 

What About Hands-Free Cell Phone Use for Adults and Experienced Drivers? 

Unlike some states, Oklahoma does not currently have a universal hands-free law for all drivers. This means: 

• Talking on a phone is not automatically illegal 

• Using GPS or navigation apps is generally allowed 

However, legal does not mean safe. 

Even hands-free phone use can still be considered distracted driving if it interferes with a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. If a driver is mentally distracted and causes a crash, they can still be held liable. 

How Distracted Driving Affects Fault in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for the damage and injuries that result. 

Oklahoma also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means: 

• An injured person can recover compensation if they are 50% or less at fault 

• Compensation is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault 

• If someone is 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages 

When distracted driving is involved, proving the other driver’s negligence becomes extremely important. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny responsibility by claiming distraction can’t be proven. 

That’s where having an experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer on your side can make the difference. 

Why Distracted Driving Accidents Are Harder to Prove Than They Should Be 

Insurance companies rarely admit that their driver was distracted, even when it’s obvious. Common defenses include: 

• “There’s no proof the driver was on their phone.” 

• “The phone use didn’t cause the accident.” 

• “The other driver was partially at fault.” 

• “Distraction is speculation.” 

But distraction can be proven with the right investigation. 

How Distracted Driving Can Be Proven After a Crash 

Our Oklahoma car accident lawyers dig deep to uncover the truth. Depending on the case, evidence may include: 

• Cell phone records showing activity at the time of the crash 

• Vehicle event data recorder (black box) information 

• Dashcam or traffic camera footage 

• Witness statements 

• Police observations noted in the crash report 

• Social media activity timestamps 

• GPS and app usage data 

Insurance companies won’t gather this evidence for you, but we will. The sooner we can begin investigating, the less likely evidence such as the above will disappear or be out of reach. 

What Should You Do If You Suspect the Other Driver Was Distracted? 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and believe the other driver may have been driving while on the phone or otherwise distracted, take these steps if you are able: 

1. Call Law Enforcement 

Make sure police respond to the scene. Officers may note distracted behavior, phone use, or statements made by the other driver in their crash report. 

2. Document Everything 

If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos of the scene. Include details such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and damage to the surrounding environment. All of these factors can help piece together the story of what happened.  

3. Get Witness Information 

Independent witnesses may have seen the other driver using a phone or acting distracted before the crash. 

4. Seek Medical Attention 

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Medical documentation connects your injuries to the crash and can protect your claim. 

5. Do Not Confront the Other Driver 

Avoid arguments or accusations at the scene. Let the evidence speak for itself later. 

6. Call an Experienced Oklahoma Car Accident Attorney 

The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the better the chance of preserving key evidence like phone records and video footage. 

RELATED: I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident. How Do I Navigate a Claim? 

How Colbert Cooper Hill Holds Distracted Drivers Accountable 

Distracted driving cases require aggressive investigation and a willingness to push back against insurance company resistance. 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, we: 

• Investigate cell phone and digital evidence 

• Work with accident reconstruction experts 

• Obtain police reports and witness statements 

• Challenge insurance company denials 

• Build strong cases that show distraction caused harm 

• Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering 

We don’t let distracted drivers or their insurers hide behind excuses. 

Why Accountability Matters for Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is extremely dangerous but easily preventable. When drivers choose their phones over the safety of others, the consequences can be life-changing or life-ending. 

Holding distracted drivers accountable does more than secure compensation. It sends a message that reckless behavior has real consequences and helps protect others on Oklahoma roads. 

RELATED: Has Your Child Been Injured in a Car Accident? Here’s What You Should Know 

Injured by a Distracted Driver? Call The Wolf Pack™ 

If you were hurt in a crash and believe the other driver was distracted, you deserve answers and accountability. 

Call Colbert Cooper Hill today at (405) 347-8551 or fill out our online form to request a free case review with one of our Oklahoma car accident attorneys. Let The Wolf Pack™ investigate what really happened, stand up to the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.