New Study on Laws Banning Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Puts Idea on Hold

A recent study reports that cell phone and texting bans have not resulted in fewer accidents in those states that have passed such laws.

It recommends that states that have not passed laws restricting cell phone use while driving wait before doing so and that states focus on enforcing existing distracted driving statutes.

Gov. Henry signs order prohibiting state employees from ‘texting’ while driving state vehicles

January 21, 2010 --Oklahoma City -- In an effort to ensure safer roads and highways, Gov. Brad Henry today signed an executive order barring state employees from “text messaging” while driving state vehicles. The Governor said he wants the directive to serve as a model for all Oklahoma motorists.

Democrat Morgan, Republican Tibbs, join on cell phone, texting ban

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 13, 2010) New information indicating that 28 percent of all U.S. car crashes in 2008 resulted from cell phone use and texting dramatically underscores the need for legislative action to stem this swelling tide of carnage and death on our highways, state Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, said this week.

A bipartisan effort to ban texting and cell phone use without a "hands free" device is being led by state Rep. Sue Tibbs, a Tulsa Republican, and Morgan, who has served as leader of the House Democrats since 2006. While a similar effort was narrowly defeated last year, Tibbs and Morgan are optimistic other legislators will find the new statistical information persuasive enough to gain passage the proposal.