Gov. Mary Fallin Signs Bill Banning Texting And Driving

Governor Mary Fallin has signed a bill making it illegal to text and drive in Oklahoma.

At 2:30 p.m., the governor was joined by the families of OHP Troopers Nicholas Dees and Kevin Burch as she signed House Bill 1965.

2/7/2015 Related Story: Mourners Gather To Honor Fallen Oklahoma Trooper Nicholas Dees

It was named after the troopers who were hit by a driver back in January while they were investigating an accident along I-40. Authorities said the driver was updating social media on his phone when he caused a separate accident.

Dees died and Burch was seriously injured. Supporters of the bill used that incident and several studies to prove the bill was necessary.

A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2010 said distracted drivers were the cause of 18 percent of all deadly crashes.

This new law makes texting and driving a primary offense. Drivers can be pulled over for texting while driving. Previous versions said drivers had to be pulled over for something else before they could be ticketed for distracted driving.

4/29/2015 Related Story: Texting And Driving Ban Awaits Gov. Mary Fallin's Signature

The law goes into effect November 1. Anyone who breaks it faces a fine of $100.

Oklahoma is now the 46th state to have a texting and driving law in the books.