Published: October 12, 2009 12:16 pm      

P.M. Update: Legislators review impact of cell phone use, texting while driving

OKLAHOMA CITY — Last week legislators studied the growing use of cell phones while driving and the dangers involved in the practice of what is being deemed an epidemic by public safety experts.

“We brought to the table authorities within law enforcement and the public safety sector, and also those directly affected by the tragedies that follow this troubling habit,” said Rep. Danny Morgan (D-Prague). “I am most concerned about our youth’s growing addiction to their cell phone and their tendency to overestimate their ability to multi-task behind the wheel. Education and awareness is not enough to curb this behavior — legislation is needed.”

Presenters at the interim study included Scott Watkins, Director of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office; Dave Koeneke, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Safety Council; Mark Brandenburg, Chair of the Oklahoma Injury Prevention Advisory Committee; Steve Thompson, Edmond Assistant Chief of Police; Antonio Porter, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper; John Wilguess of Safe Kids Oklahoma; and Chuck Mai of AAA Oklahoma. In addition, heartfelt stories of grief and loss were given by Jennifer Smith, Amie Gibson and Gina Harris, who each lost a loved one due to cell phone use while driving.

Director Watkins detailed data as to injury and fatal crashes due to electronic devices versus other forms of distraction, but cautioned as to the validity of this data as it relies on self-reporting. These numbers are projected to be higher, and could become more credible with the passage of legislation that verified usage of an electronic device at the time of a crash. Director Watkins did confirm that based upon the success of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, he believed that cell phone and texting laws would be advantageous in changing behaviors.

“It is evident that our current laws are antiquated and unable to address the rapid changes in driving behavior,” stated Rep. Morgan.

Mai announced AAA’s position of support to ban texting while driving, and cited the sharp decline in cell phone usage in vehicles following the passage of legislation in California.

In California, it is an infraction to write, send or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device while driving a motor vehicle. In addition, the state prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle — motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free” device.

Mai referenced an article in Car and Driver Magazine, who recently put editor Eddie Alterman in a car rigged with a red light to alert him when to brake.  Alterman, driving the car at 70 mph, was tested sober, when legally drunk (.08 blood alcohol), when reading an e-mail and when texting. The results were staggering: unimpaired - .54 seconds to brake, 13 feet reaction distance; legally drunk - add four feet, 17 feet reaction distance; reading an e-mail - 129 feet; sending a text - 319 feet.

 According to Dave Koenecke of the Oklahoma Safety Council, 81 percent of the public admit to talking on a cell phone while driving, and cell phone usage increases by four times the likelihood of a crash. The Oklahoma Safety Council and SAFE Kids Oklahoma both support banning cell phone use while driving.

With the input of interested parties, Rep. Morgan and Rep. Sue Tibbs, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will work on drafting legislation for the upcoming session.