Six states–California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington–plus the District of Columbia, ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

The dangerous practice of texting while driving is banned in 14 states–Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington, plus the District of Columbia.

A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that texting while driving increased the risk of accidents by more than 23 times.

IIAO will focus on five issues during the legislative session:

Uninsured Motorists – IIAO supports legislative efforts to simplify the uninsured motorist selection/rejection process.  Under this bill when an application is taken, an insured would make his/her selection/rejection of uninsured motorist. It would not be necessary during the lifetime of the policy to have the form signed again. Currently, a new form must be signed when there is a change in drivers, an additional automobile is purchased or a change in liability limits.  Agents spend countless hours currently attempting to retrieve signed uninsured motorists forms. 

Proof of Financial Responsibility – As a result of the passage of the instant automobile liability verification system that became law January 1st, security verification cards used to verify insurance for vehicles insured through excess and surplus lines carriers is not in compliance with the financial responsibility provisions of the compulsory Automobile Insurance Law.  Current law does not allow a policy or bond to be issued unless by an insurance company or surety company “authorized” to do business in Oklahoma.  Policies issued by excess and surplus lines carriers do not meet this requirement.  It is estimated that approximately $40 million in insurance premiums are written in Oklahoma each year by these carriers.  Oklahoma law recognizes that such coverage written by surplus lines carriers is fully valid and enforceable to the same effect as like contracts issued by authorized insurers.  IIAO supports change in current statute that will allow for insurance written by authorized insurance or surety companies and surplus lines carriers, as allowed by Title 36, Section 1106, to be recognized as proof of financial responsibility.

Lawsuit Reform – IIAO supports passage of lawsuit reform with strong provisions of SB 507, passed by the Legislature in 2007 but vetoed by Governor Henry. 

Health Insurance Mandates – IIAO will continue to oppose any additional mandates to health insurance policies.  Mandates, while well-intentioned by those select groups that support them, drive up the cost of health insurance and result in fewer Oklahomans being able to afford health insurance.  Currently Oklahoma has 36 health insurance mandates and while none of these mandates alone have caused a significant increase in premiums, their cumulative effect has caused premiums to be over 30% higher than they would be without the mandates.

Workers’ Compensation – IIAO supports legislation to address recent rulings by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that ruled certain provisions of the 2005 reform bill be ruled invalid.   Legislation is needed to correct conflicting language in various sections of the law relative to temporary total disability (TTD) as well as a provision of the reform bill which overturned exclusive remedy to injured workers to workers’ compensation insurance.   The law needs to be amended so an injured worker can only find remedy in workers’ compensation court and not district court.   IIAO also supports legislation to address the manner in which workers’ compensation court judges are appointed whether by appointment, election, term limits or reaffirmation.