Try moving off the mainline
The drivers should safely move the car to a safe lane or the roadside. Stopping a vehicle in the middle of the road impedes traffic and can lead to secondary accidents.
Oklahoma Car Crash Statistics
Oklahoma is rated relatively average when it comes to motorist safety in the United States. In 2021, Oklahoma was ranked 21st among states with the highest fatalities from traffic accidents. Due to the state's large population density, traffic congestion has become a considerable motorist safety concern.
In recent years, there has been an increase in car accidents within the state. The main cause of car crashes in Oklahoma is distracted driving. Additionally, speeding and drunk driving also significantly increase the rate of car crashes in the state.
Fatal Crashes
681
Deaths
762
Deaths per 100,000 population
19.1
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.70
Crash Types
762
Single-vehicle
379
Multiple-vehicle
383
Alcohol Involvement
408killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
358
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
95
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Oklahoma
Some roads in Oklahoma are notorious for having the highest rates of car crashes and fatalities. They include:
40
33 Fatalities/year
44
25 Fatalities/year
35
21 Fatalities/year
81
14 Fatalities/year
3
12 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in Oklahoma
- In 2021, 66,074 traffic crashes in the state resulted in 681 fatalities and 20,678 injuries.
- The state's average crash rate per day was 181 collisions in 2021. Additionally, the average fatality rate was 2.1 deaths per day and 83 injuries per day.
- Teen and novice drivers have the highest crash rate of any age group, with drivers aged between 16 and 19 accounting for 11,640 crashes in 2021.
- The average alcohol-related crash rate in Oklahoma is nearly 2,500 every year, with approximately 220 fatalities.
- Oklahoma County has the highest average fatality crash rate (43.2) in the state, accounting for 9.7% of fatal crashes between 2015 and 2019.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma?
In case of an accident, drivers should follow these procedures to prevent further accidents and ensure motorist safety:
1
2
Turn on the hazard lights and use flares and cones
Drivers should turn on their car's hazard lights and use traffic control devices like cones, flags, or flares to signal potential danger to approaching drivers. Additionally, drivers should position traffic control devices at a safe distance from the crash to allow for adequate reaction time for passing motorists.
3
Remain at the scene
The state forbids anyone involved in a car crash from leaving the scene if it results in injury, death, or property damage. Drivers should stay at the crash site until instructed otherwise.
4
Check for injury
It is crucial to check if anyone was injured in the collision. In the event of a serious injury, people should not move the patient and instead contact a medical emergency team for assistance.
5
Notify local law enforcement
The state requires all drivers to immediately report to the police or law enforcement any accidents that result in death, personal injury, or property damage of $300 or higher.
6
Record information
Vehicle operators involved in an accident should give out their information, including names, addresses, license numbers, and vehicle registration numbers. This includes passengers, witnesses, and emergency personnel that arrive at the scene. If the driver does not own the car, they should provide the owner’s name and address.
7
Take images for documentation
Drivers should take photos of a crash. They could be used to determine the cause of the accident and as evidence in insurance claims or legal proceedings.
8
Seek help from an attorney
Drivers are recommended to seek legal assistance after an accident.
9
Notify the insurance company
Vehicle operators who want compensation after an accident can file a claim with their insurance company.
10
Keep a record of the incident
Drivers should keep important documents after an accident. These documents consist of police statements, reports, and insurance information.
Oklahoma Driving Laws and Facts
Oklahoma has strict traffic laws that every vehicle operator should know for safety reasons and to prevent property damage. These laws and facts include:
Seatbelt Law
Oklahoma law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts when a car is operated.
Additionally, all children under two years should be safely secured to a rear-facing car seat.
All children between the ages of two and eight must be adequately secured using a booster seat or a child safety seat with a 5-point harness.
All children between the ages of eight and 16 should always be properly secured in the car's back seat.
Hands-Off Law
It is illegal for drivers to use handheld devices to read or write texts and emails or browse the internet unless the car is parked or has come to a complete stop. Drivers can be fined if they are found texting at a stop sign or a red light.
However, the state permits vehicle operators to use their phones to make calls while driving.
The use of hands-free and voice-command devices is also allowed while driving.
Impaired Driving
Oklahoma law prohibits drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or above from operating a vehicle.
Drivers under 21 are not allowed to drive if they are under the influence of alcohol.
Additionally, it is illegal to drive under the influence of any controlled substance.
Teenage Driving Laws
The legal driving age starts at 15. Teenage drivers are first issued a learner permit to drive on the road.
Novice drivers with a learner permit are allowed only to drive while accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old. Additionally, they are prohibited from driving from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
After six months of driving, novice drivers can get an intermediate license when they pass a visual and written test.
Novice drivers with an intermediate license can only drive between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. unless driving to a religious activity, school, or work.
Likewise, they can only carry one passenger who is not their immediate family member. If the driver is carrying more than one passenger, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
Move Over Law
When approaching a stationary emergency, police, or utility truck with flashing warning lights, all drivers on a road or highway are required to slow down and safely move over to the next lane.
If drivers cannot move over lanes, they should slow down and cautiously approach the vehicle.
Motorcyclists
Before applying for a motorcycle license, the state requires individuals 17 years or younger to complete a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training course.
Drivers are only permitted to carry passengers if the motorcycle has a saddle or seat for each passenger.
All drivers and passengers on a motorcycle under 18 must wear helmets.
Lane Camping
On multiple-lane roads throughout the state, the left lane is reserved solely for overtaking or passing other vehicles.
Cars in the left lane should travel faster than those on the right.
Vehicle Registration and Insurance
Vehicle operators are required to have minimum liability insurance coverage on the road. This protects drivers financially in the event of a collision.
Oklahoma Weird Traffic Laws
Apart from the standard traffic laws shared among all states, Oklahoma has some weird traffic laws. They include:
-
Eating while driving can give you a citation
Though not exclusive, eating and driving can get vehicle operators cited by law enforcement. Police might consider this distracted driving, as it can impair a driver’s ability to focus. -
Using hands to signal
If a car’s signal lights malfunction, drivers can use their hands to signal other road users when making turns. -
Spitting on the sidewalk is illegal.
It might seem obvious, but Oklahoma has prohibited people from spitting on the sidewalk or road. -
It is illegal to store tissues in the back seat of the car
The state prohibits keeping tissues or other objects that are not secured at the back of the vehicle. This is to prevent flying debris if a driver has to apply emergency brakes or an accident happens. -
Slow driving is not allowed.
Driving too slow along Oklahoma roads can get drivers a citation. Slow driving can impede normal traffic flow, which can endanger other motorists on the highway.
