For most Oklahomans, driving is an essential part of getting from here to there. Whether you need to drive to work or your favorite place to eat, getting to your destination safely is an important part of daily life.
Like many other states, some Oklahoma roads are safer than others. While you may not be able to avoid these dangerous stretches of road, you can use extra care when you know you will be in one of these areas.
These are the deadliest stretches of road in Oklahoma.
Common factors
In some cases, a road will be more dangerous because it carries a lot of traffic; for other roads, it is a tricky intersection. However, when looking at fatalities on Oklahoma roads, two factors tend to contribute to traffic fatalities: speeding and drunk driving. According to a recent study, over 20% of deadly crashes were caused by speeding.
Highway 62
Oklahoma City is home to the state’s deadliest stretch of road. The portion of US-62 that goes from N. Highland Drive to N. Midwest Boulevard averages 3.2 crashes per mile, with 17 fatalities during the two years of the study.
Crosstown Expressway
The four-mile stretch of highway between MacArthur Boulevard to exit 148C had eight fatal accidents between 2018-2020.
Staying safe while driving
Even if these dangerous roads are not part of your typical routine, it is vital to take precautions to get to your destination safely. The simplest way to stay safe on the road is to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going. Speeding plays a significant role in safe driving. You should also make sure you can focus on the road ahead and reduce the distractions in your vehicle.
