OK Drivers Turn To Technology After Texting Law Takes Effect

The texting and driving law has been in effect for five days now and it might be too soon to tell how many tickets have been issued in the metro.

In Oklahoma City and Edmond, municipal court officials said there’s a delay between the actual tickets being issued and then entered into their system. But an Edmond police spokesperson said she was aware of one citation so far.

In Norman, there have not been any issued yet, as officers continue their educational warning period. And in Moore, the ordinance does not take effect until Nov. 19, a municipal courts spokesperson told News 9.

But drivers are trying to adjust to the change and find a way to stay in touch, while staying safe under the law. Dozens have been calling Jackie Cooper Electronics to ask about hands-free systems since the first of the month.

Hands-free systems have been on the market for years, but the Bluetooth buzz has been reignited by this new law. Some drivers are looking for ways to keep their phones out of sight, so they can avoid the temptation to text at the wheel.

At Jackie Cooper, the hands-free systems start at around $300.

“You use the volume on your radio to control the sound and then you have a microphone that we install that will pick up your voice so that they can hear you,” said Manager Scott Griffith.

It comes with a call button too, so you don't have to let go of the wheel.

“You can install it somewhere in the vehicle where you an easy way to answer and hang up the phone,” he added.

And with a few hundred bucks more, Griffith said the sophistication keeps up with even the savviest of users by replacing their radio with a touch screen that mirrors your iPhone.

“With Apple Car Play, you basically plug your iPhone in and you have actually a Siri button on the radio,” Griffith explained.

And already in the works, Griffith said the next big aftermarket system features voice texting. But there are already several apps available that allow users to talk and text or send a default message while the user is driving.