Legislation Would Stop Texting, Eating While Driving

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Whether its texting, getting ready for work or even eating we're probably all guilty of distracted driving at one time or another.

But state lawmakers are hoping to crack down on the dangerous habit. Two bills aimed at drivers who don't keep their eyes on the road have gotten approval from the state House and the state Senate.

Read Senate Bill 1908

Read House Bill 3250

There are a lot of things that can distract a driver, but a big one is cell phones. These bills come down hard on people who pay more attention to their phones than their driving.

Texting and driving is now almost as common as listening to the radio.

"I text and drive every day, every single day, every hour," driver Elisha White said.

White says it's a habit that's gotten her into trouble.

"I've almost had an accident, almost all the time and I still don't learn my lesson from it," White said.

Scott Shipman admits he is a texting driver as well.

"Mostly I'm texting my wife, perhaps some friends sometimes," Shipman said.

Under a new bill that just passed the House anyone caught using cell phones to write, send or even read a text message while driving can be fined up to $1,000.

Representative Sue Tibbs is behind the bill.

"I have grandchildren and I want them protected, I wanna be protected while I'm driving," said Rep. Tibbs. "I don't want them to take away my right to live."

A separate Senate bill that also passed is even more restrictive. It targets drivers not paying attention for reading, writing, grooming, pets and yes, using cell phones.

A fine can cost you $100.

To enforce it, you have to make a traffic violation first. If police determine you were distracted you will get a ticket.

"Yeah, it's not safe to text and drive, one, but it's not going to stop anyone from doing it," said Shipman. "I mean it's like the seatbelt law."

And the driver who's had a few close calls agrees it won't stop her.

"No, because when I get pulled over I will just probably throw the phone somewhere and say I swerved or something," said White. "I wouldn't say I was texting."

There are exceptions to the bills, mainly if there is an emergency.