February 2, 2018
When you merge onto the highway during your morning commute, you check your blind spots and use your turn signal – like any courteous driver would – but as you cruise along listening to your daily podcast you see a car ahead of you starts to drift into another lane before hastily jerking the car back into its lane. A momentary lapse in attention is understandable, no one wants to be up at this hour, but then the car starts to slow down for seemingly no reason. You switch lanes and glance over as you pass the car only to see the driver with one hand on the wheel and the other hand trying to text while going 60 miles per hour.
We have all experienced a similar scenario, even though texting while driving is now illegal in Oklahoma, but according to surveys conducted by Simply Texting, the data shows that this problem won’t be ending soon. Everyone denounces this dangerous act, but if everyone is sick of the distracted driving, who’s to blame?
Typically, in technology-related issues, millennials are the first to be accused but don’t be too quick to point the finger their direction. In fact, the study showed that texting while driving is least present in drivers under the age of 24 and most prevalent in drivers 65 and older. There is no clear reason why, but the percent of drivers who text while driving increases with age.
Perpetrators of this offense are rarely caught and often receive a warning. According to Simply Texting’s study, 90 percent of people who text while driving are never even pulled over. Steps have been taken to outlaw texting while driving, but it has done little to deter this issue.
People do not like to admit to texting while driving because it is 100 percent preventable, but with nearly 50 percent of drivers still sending texts behind the wheel, a societal change needs to occur. Some have started the push for change, such as Apple. In its most recent update, Apple created a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” function to take the distraction of incoming notifications away. Tools such as this, as well as Bluetooth command capabilities, are a few ways that we can start to make a difference in curbing texting while driving.
We ask our Okie family to think twice before using your phone on the road. However, if you have been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, Accident Care & Treatment Center, Inc. has the facilities, doctors, and legal aid to take care of you every step of the recovery process. Let’s keep our roads safe, OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is texting while driving compared to drunk driving?
Studies show texting while driving produces reaction times comparable to a blood alcohol level of 0.08% — the legal intoxication limit. At 55 mph, a 5-second glance at a phone means driving the length of a football field blind.
Is hands-free calling actually safer than handheld?
Marginally. Cognitive distraction from any phone conversation — hands-free or not — slows reaction time. The safest option is to not use the phone at all while driving.
What are the penalties for texting while driving in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma prohibits texting while driving, with fines up to $100 for a first offense. If texting contributes to a crash causing injury, the driver can face far greater civil liability and potential criminal charges.
What should I do if I was hit by a distracted driver?
Call 911 immediately, document everything at the scene, get medical evaluation within 24–72 hours even if you feel fine, and preserve evidence. Phone records subpoenaed by your attorney can prove the at-fault driver was distracted.
Injured in an Auto Accident? We Can Help
Accident Care & Treatment Center has been exclusively dedicated to auto-accident injury since 1995. Our Oklahoma City clinic at 3209 NW Expressway provides a complete continuum of care under one roof:
- Licensed medical doctors — not chiropractors — who diagnose, prescribe, and direct care
- On-site imaging — digital X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound all performed same-day
- Physical therapy — in-house therapists coordinate directly with your physician
- Interventional pain management — trigger point injections, nerve blocks, and epidurals when needed
- Direct insurance billing — zero up-front cost via Oklahoma PIP, MedPay, or at-fault liability
- Same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome — Monday through Friday
When to Seek Evaluation
Seek a medical evaluation within 24–72 hours of the accident if you experience any of the following:
- Neck, back, shoulder, or head pain — even if mild or delayed
- Headaches, dizziness, or light/noise sensitivity
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness anywhere in the body
- Reduced range of motion or stiffness
- Difficulty concentrating, memory changes, or sleep disruption
Call (405) 842-3209 or walk in during business hours. We serve Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Del City, Yukon, and Mustang.