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Gov. Fallin Signs Texting While Driving Ban

Jason Weaver
/
Flickr Creative Commons

Gov. Mary Fallin has signed legislation that makes it illegal to text message while driving in Oklahoma.

Flanked by lawmakers and state troopers, Fallin signed the measure into law Tuesday. The law goes into effect on Nov. 1.

The legislation makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while using a hand-held electronic device to compose, send or read electronic messages while driving. Violations are punishable by a $100 fine.

It's named after troopers Nicholas Dees and Keith Burch, who were struck by a vehicle on Interstate 40 in January whose driver was allegedly updating a social media page at the time. Dees died at the scene, and Burch was hospitalized.

Members of the troopers' families were present at the ceremonial bill signing.

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