City of Tulsa employees will be prohibited from using cell phones and other devices while driving starting May 1.
Safety Coordinator Eddy Tijerina said that means no texts, emails or calls, even using hands-free technology like Bluetooth.
"So what we're asking them to do is find a safe place to park, and then either make that call or text they need to do — check their emails, whatever it is — or if they receive a call or text while they're driving, to find a safe place to park," Tijerina said.
It’s the next step in the city’s work to eliminate distracted driving. An executive order discouraging texting while driving was adopted in 2010.
David Teater with the National Safety Council said it’s the right move.
"The City of Tulsa is a national leader by putting this policy in place," Teater said. "I'm absolutely convinced that the policy will result in saving lives not only here, but I think they'll influence other cities to move in the right direction."
There are exceptions for employees reporting or responding to emergencies. Employees who violate the new policy will have disciplinary hearings.
It’s estimated about a quarter of all car crashes involve cell phone use.
