Distracted driving continues to be a growing problem on Oklahoma City streets, highways, and interstates.
There are laws in place to force drivers to pay attention to the road and take responsibility when they cause accidents. Unfortunately, hundreds of people across our state are injured and killed due to driver inattention each year.
Hopefully, a look at the stunning numbers for distracted driving accidents and the laws in place in Oklahoma can get drivers to put down their phones and show care to all motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
A New Distracted Driving Law in Oklahoma in 2025
A new law took effect on Oklahoma roads in 2025. House Bill 2263 forbids drivers from using cellphones in active school and work zones.
The law intends to increase driver focus in areas where students and road crews are most often encountered. Hand-held cellphone use is still allowed.
The new legislation strengthens the existing No-Texting While Driving Laws in Oklahoma.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway within this state while using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually compose, send or read an electronic text message while the motor vehicle is in motion.
Commercial drivers or public transit drivers are prohibited from holding a cellphone.
A citation for texting while driving can cost drivers $100, but that’s not counting expensive court fees. A commercial driver caught holding a phone would face a $500 fine. Teen offenders can have their license suspended.
Of course, the consequences of causing an accident while distracted can result in much more serious punishment. Reckless driving and other criminal charges are possible. When drivers cause an accident involving an injury or a fatality, they can face jail time.
Drivers might also be liable for a victim’s medical costs and other recovery bills.
How Many Distracted Driving Accidents Happen in Oklahoma City Each Year?
Oklahoma City averaged around 192 serious distracted driving accidents a year over a five-year period. Serious accidents count collisions involving an injury or a fatality.
That’s according to Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) data from 2017 to 2021, the most recent years for which full statistics have been released.
In 2021, there were 180 serious accidents involving distracted drivers in Oklahoma City. Those accidents resulted in at least 9 deaths and 237 serious injuries.
In 2023, Oklahoma City matched a high in distracted driving-related fatalities in recent years. The year saw at least 9 deaths attributed to distracted drivers. That was an increase from 2022, when at least 6 people lost their lives.
- OHSO found that the most distracted driving accidents in OKC in 2021 occurred in the month of June. The most common day of the week for distracted-driving accidents was Wednesday. The most common time of day for distracted driving accidents was between 5 pm and 6 pm.
- The state of Oklahoma recorded 64 tragic fatalities due to distracted driving in 2023. That was up from 2022, when at least 50 people lost their lives. In 2021, there were over 1,200 serious distracted-driving accidents across the state.
Hope for a Safer Year With Less Distracted Driving on OKC Highways
Even one tragic death is unacceptable when distracted-driving accidents are so easily prevented. Drivers in Oklahoma City need to obey Oklahoma distracted driving laws and pay full attention to the roads at all times.
If you or a loved one is hurt by a distracted driver’s mistake, you may need a skilled Oklahoma City car accident lawyer to handle your case. Ylla|Gosney Attorneys at Law can make sure the blame stays with the distracted driver and then demand the most possible to help with your recovery. We offer a free case consultation to all victims. There’s no obligation, but if you need our help, you don’t pay any upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that an insurer must send you.