Why Should You Take 5 Before You Drive?

An Initiative by Oklahoma Challenge and INTEGRIS Injury Prevention/Trauma Team

As the new school year begins, so does a new state law—and with it, a critical opportunity to build safer habits.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 139 goes into effect for the 2025–2026 school year. This new policy bans the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, during the school day—from the first bell to the last—in every Oklahoma school. While many districts already have similar policies, thousands of students across the state will be adjusting to this change for the first time.

Why does this matter behind the wheel? Because if students immediately reach for their phones after school to check texts, post to social media, or reply to Snapchats—especially as they get into their cars—the risks increase dramatically.

Let’s use this moment to build a new habit and Take 5 Before You Drive.
It’s a chance for schools, families, and communities to focus on safe driving behaviors and support students as they transition from the classroom to the car.

Why This Matters:

• Car crashes are the leading cause of death among youth aged 15–24 in both Oklahoma and the U.S.

• Teen drivers (ages 16–19) are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash (per mile driven) than drivers over 20.

• The most dangerous time of day for teen drivers? Between 3:00–7:00 PM.

• The school parking lot may be the most dangerous place students visit all day.

In a National Safety Council poll, teens admitted to risky behaviors while driving in parking lots:

• 60% made or answered phone calls

• 59% used GPS or searched for directions

• 59% engaged in personal grooming

• 58% adjusted digital music settings

• 56% sent or read texts

• 58% glanced at automatic phone notifications

These distractions take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving.

New Law Reminder:

Starting November 1, 2025, using a hand-held electronic device or cell phone in a school or work zone can result in a fine of up to $100. These will become hands-free zones to increase driver attention, enable better driving practices, and reduce distracted driving related injuries and fatalities.

Oklahoma Challenge and the INTEGRIS Injury Prevention/Trauma Team will be rolling out this campaign on social media—follow along and share the message.

Create a team and join our Safe Driving Challenge to help create positive change in the driving culture in your community, win money, and save lives!

Let’s make safety a habit. Take 5 Before You Drive.