Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is conducting a statewide distracted driving enforcement emphasis from January 17 through January 31, focusing on reducing crashes caused by drivers using electronic devices.
The two-week mobilization is held in honor of Trooper Nicholas Dees, who was killed by a distracted driver on January 31, 2015, while investigating a crash along Interstate 40 in Seminole County. Trooper Keith Burch was also struck during the incident and suffered serious injuries before later retiring from the patrol.
Investigators later determined the driver responsible had been sending and receiving text messages in the miles leading up to the crash. The case resulted in the passage of the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015, which prohibits the use of handheld electronic communication devices to compose, send, or read text messages while driving.
During the enforcement period, troopers across the state, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, will place increased focus on distracted driving violations. The initiative began with a press conference attended by the chief of the patrol, members of Trooper Dees’ family, and representatives from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol launches distracted driving enforcement initiative
