Anti-Texting Bill Could Lead to $1,000 Fine for Drivers

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Anti-texting legislation passed a House committee Wednesday and will now head to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

When a hands free bill hit the floor last session, there was a lot of resistance but one lawmaker is not giving up. She's pushing to make drivers pay big bucks for texting while driving.

"We didn't want to send any more people to jail or prison, but if they felt it in their pocket book and it was a good hefty fine, that this will get their attention," said Rep. Sue Tibbs.

House Bill 3250, co-authored by Rep. Sue Tibbs and Rep. Danny Morgan, would penalize any person who is operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway while using a cell phone to write, send or read text messages while driving with a fine of up to $1,000.

"This could save people from serious injuries or death. There's no reason for innocent lives to be lost because a text couldn't wait," Rep. Tibbs stated in a press release.

Jennifer Smith has been pushing for similar legislation after her mother, Linda Doyle, was hit and killed by a driver on a cell phone in 2008.

"Without these laws to protect us, it no longer a matter of if this will happen to someone you love, it's a question of when," said Smith in October, 2009.

If this measure becomes law, it will also put a stop to cell phone use altogether for young drivers.

"The graduated driver license will give them the permission to use the cell phone if it's emergency. And we do mean an emergency, not an emergency where you call your bf and say ‘I'm going to be late for a date,'" Rep. Tibbs said.

Right now, 19 states and Washington D.C. ban texting for all drivers. Tibbs hopes that Oklahoma will get behind the wheel for the sake of safety.

"I have grandchildren and I want them protected. I want to be protected while I'm driving. I don't want them to take away my right to live, I don't want anyone to hit my grandchildren and take away their right to a full life," said Rep. Tibbs.

NEWS 9 was told there has been no opposition to House Bill 3250 so far. The bill is expected to go to vote in the next two weeks.