OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahomans would be prohibited from texting while driving under legislation approved by a state House committee.
The House Criminal Justice Committee voted 11-0 Wednesday to send the measure to the full House for debate and a vote.
The bill by Republican Rep. Terry O'Donnell of Tulsa would prohibit a motorist from operating a motor vehicle while texting, emailing or using instant messaging on an electronic device while the vehicle is in motion.
O'Donnell says drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in an accident. He says the bill is designed to change the behavior of Oklahoma motorists and ultimately save lives. He says 44 other states have similar regulations.
The measure establishes a fine of $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.