Education
Oklahoma Safe Driving Laws you Need to Know
Oklahoma drivers take risks each time they get on the road. Fortunately, the state’s legislature has enacted several laws that keep the public safe. The following are some of Oklahoma’s safe driving laws.
No Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Shifting focus on something else can be dangerous even if the driver only does it for fewer than 10 seconds. Not only does distracted driving increase the risk of a collision, but the driver may be forced to make a sudden maneuver that may violate other traffic laws. For example, a driver who is distracted may miss a red light and be forced to illegally proceed through the intersection. Examples of distracted driving include:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Focusing on other people in the vehicle
Moving Over for Emergency Vehicles
Oklahoma law requires drivers to change lanes when they see a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the highway. If moving over is physically impossible, drivers are required to slow down. The objective of the “Move Over” law is to protect emergency workers, maintenance crews, and people who are on the side of the road receiving assistance. Drivers who violate the law may face fines from $1,000 for a first offense to $2,500 for second-time offenders.
Required Protective Gear for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists in Oklahoma are only required by law to wear a helmet if they are younger than 18. However, state law does require all motorcycle riders to use eye protection. Motorcycle owners have options when it comes to complying with law. Eye protection can be goggles, glasses, or a windscreen on the motorcycle. Other motorcycle safety requirements restrict the height of motorcycle handlebars to being no higher than eye level. The state also requires every motorcycle to be equipped with a compliant horn.
Yielding the Left Lane
A unique law that many other states do not have is Oklahoma’s Left-Lane Law. The statute limits use of the left lane to drivers who want to make a pass to overtake another vehicle and vehicles that have to change lanes to avoid construction and emergency vehicles. Drivers may also use the left lane if traffic conditions create the necessity to change lanes.
Following Oklahoma’s safety laws significantly reduces the likelihood of drivers becoming involved in an accident. Beyond improving road safety, traffic laws reduce congestion and eases the daily commute for drivers, motorcyclists, truckers, and pedestrians.