Oklahoma City ranks fairly low for cities with high traffic. Urban traffic and traffic congestion in Oklahoma City is relatively mild compared to other cities in Oklahoma and in the US. However, there are still many accidents in the city each year, and they occur more often at certain roads and intersections. If you were involved in an accident in Oklahoma City, the first thing you should do is call 911. Then, call an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer.
South Klein Avenue and Oklahoma City Boulevard, Southwest 62nd and South Western Avenue, and I-240 and US 77 are some of the most dangerous intersections in Oklahoma City, among others. The road on which the most fatal accidents occur is US 62 between North Highland Drive and North Midwest Boulevard.
Traffic in Oklahoma City is heaviest in the mornings between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and in the afternoons between 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. The most highly trafficked road in Oklahoma City is I-235, north of the I-44 overpass on the Broadway Extension, which is also known as Highway 77, but accidents can occur anywhere at any time. However, avoiding highly trafficked roads during highly trafficked times can decrease the risk of drivers being involved in accidents.
In addition, more crashes occur between the hours of 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., as well as during rush hour, which occurs in the morning from about 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. and in the afternoon from about 3:30 to 6:45 p.m. Avoiding driving regularly during these times can significantly decrease the chance of getting into an accident. However, it is in your interest to remain cautious at all times when driving.
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety reports that most car accidents in Oklahoma City are caused by distracted driving, following too closely, failing to yield, and speeding. The most common distraction for drivers is cell phone use. In addition, one of the most common types of accidents in Oklahoma City is intersection accidents.
Intersection accidents commonly occur because drivers are distracted and do not see the signal change. At other times, they don’t notice the other vehicles slowing down or stopping in front of them at a red light or to make a turn. Speeding is also a common cause of intersection accidents, as speeding drivers do not have time to slow down and may rear-end slowed or stopped vehicles in front of them.
Drunk driving is also another frequent cause of accidents and fatal accidents in Oklahoma City. In 2019, alcohol was the culprit in 40% of the fatal crashes that occurred in Oklahoma City. Almost half of those victims were not wearing their seatbelt.
The number of fatal crashes in Oklahoma City is on the rise, as are the number of injury crashes. The average number of people injured in an accident in Oklahoma City is 12. Most injury crashes are caused by driver error, such as following too closely, failing to yield the right of way, and making unsafe lane changes.
It is important for drivers to be aware of the most common causes of accidents so they can consciously avoid these dangerous behaviors and lower the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. With almost one-third of all crashes resulting from distracted driving, it is important for drivers to avoid taking their attention off the road. Furthermore, leaving enough room between cars when driving can also prevent avoidable collisions.
A: Oklahoma City has some of the most dangerous intersections in the state, including South Klein Avenue and Oklahoma City Boulevard, Klein and West Sheridan Avenue, Reno and South Klein, West Memorial Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, and Southwest 62nd and South Western Avenue.
Southwest 59th and Southwestern Avenue is also a source of concern for intersection accidents in the city. Other intersections in Oklahoma City where accidents frequently occur include I-240 and US 77 and I-40 and the I-44 interchange.
A: The deadliest road in Oklahoma is US 62, beginning at North Highland Drive and ending at North Midwest Boulevard, where roughly eight fatal accidents occur each year. The highest contributing factors to fatal accidents on Oklahoma roads like North Highland Drive are drunk driving and speeding. Drunk driving contributes to 26% of the deadly crashes in Oklahoma, while speeding contributes to about 22%.
A: When a car accident in Oklahoma results in minor vehicle damage but no physical injuries, there is no requirement to call the police; however, all involved drivers are required to exchange information with each other, including contact details and insurance carrier information.
If someone is injured or killed, it is required by Oklahoma state law that the police be called and the accident be reported immediately. If you are unsure if someone was injured, it is a safe practice to call the police.
A: If you are involved in an accident in Oklahoma, state law requires you to report the accident within six months from the date the accident occurred in order to file a claim on any property damages or losses recoverable by monetary settlement due to another driver’s fault. It is required in Oklahoma, however, that anyone involved in an accident in which someone was injured or killed report the incident to police immediately.
If you have been in an accident in Oklahoma City involving injuries or property damage, you should contact an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience. Speaking to an attorney is imperative in most cases in order to obtain fair compensation and prevent insurance companies from offering a low settlement.
Call 222 Injury Lawyers to speak to one of our team members regarding your accident and receive invaluable legal advice.
222 Injury Lawyers, PLLC
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Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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222 Injury Lawyers, PLLC
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Tulsa, OK 74105
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