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Push On For Oklahoma To Ban Texting While Driving

Brian Hardzinski
/
KGOU

Supporters of a ban on texting while driving in Oklahoma are renewing their push for more restrictions ahead of the 2015 legislative session, and several bills already have been filed to make it illegal.

Highway safety officials, insurance companies and grassroots organizations of teenagers have pushed hard in recent years to further restrict the use of mobile phones while driving, but the Republican-controlled Legislature has so far resisted those efforts.

Opponents of a ban have said it would be difficult to enforce and that state laws prohibiting distracted driving are adequate.

According to the national Governor's Highway Safety Office, Oklahoma is one of just six states in the country without a ban on texting while driving. More than a dozen states prohibit cellphone use altogether while driving.

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