Oklahoma City Traffic Accident Statistics

Oklahoma City is the largest city here in Oklahoma. It sees thousands of traffic accidents every year involving drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and truck drivers. Although the official traffic accident data for 2024 has yet to be fully compiled, the latest data available from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) can give us some valuable insights into trends and patterns.

Because it’s a major urban hub, Oklahoma City has a high volume of traffic, leading to a significant number of crashes. Our mix of interstates, state highways, and local roads sees accidents ranging from minor fender-benders to severe collisions. Things like distracted driving, excessive speed, and impaired driving contribute to these incidents.

The most recent data from OHSO shows that in 2021, there were 66,074 reported traffic crashes across the state. Although not all of these took place in Oklahoma City, as the largest metropolitan area, the city does account for a significant portion of these incidents.

Some key statewide findings from 2021 include:

• 762 fatalities resulted from these accidents, an increase from 640 in 2019.
• Over 30,000 injuries were reported.
• Urban areas like Oklahoma City experienced the highest crash rates, largely due to congestion and higher traffic volume.

Car accidents in Oklahoma City

The bulk of Oklahoma City’s traffic is made of passenger vehicles, including cars and light trucks. The leading causes of car accidents included:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Passenger vehicle crashes often result in serious injuries, especially in high-speed crashes on highways like I-40, I-35, and the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

Truck accidents in Oklahoma City

Large trucks, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, play an important role in Oklahoma’s economy, transporting goods across the area. However, because of their sheer size and weight, truck accidents tend to result in severe damage and serious injuries.

The 2021 data reported:

• 5,575 crashes involving large trucks statewide
• 99 fatal truck accidents
• A high percentage of these accidents occurred on interstates and highways

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Brake failures or mechanical issues
• Improper lane changes
• Speeding or reckless driving

Here in Oklahoma City, truck accidents frequently occur along I-40, I-35, and the Turner Turnpike, which are areas known for high commercial traffic.

Motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City

Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users due to their limited protection on the highway. The 2021 statistics describe:

• 990 injury-causing motorcycle crashes across Oklahoma
• 76 fatalities
• A high percentage of these accidents occurred in urban areas

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City include:

• Cars failing to yield to motorcycles
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence

Pedestrian accidents in Oklahoma City

Pedestrian accidents have been on the rise across the U.S., and Oklahoma City is no exception. In 2021, there were 576 reported injury-causing pedestrian crashes statewide and 104 fatalities.

Some of the key contributing factors to these accidents include:

• Jaywalking or crossing outside designated crosswalks
• Distracted drivers failing to notice pedestrians
• Poor visibility at night
• Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas

Oklahoma City’s busiest streets, such as Broadway Extension, NW Expressway, and the downtown area, are particularly dangerous for pedestrians.

What are the contributing factors to these accidents?

A variety of factors contribute to the high number of accidents in Oklahoma City, including:

• Smartphones and in-car technology have made distracted driving one of the leading causes of crashes. In 2021, a significant number of crashes were attributed to drivers using their phones for texting, navigation, or social media.
• Alcohol and drug-impaired driving remain a persistent issue. According to past reports, over 30% of fatal crashes in Oklahoma involve impaired drivers.
• Excessive speed not only increases the likelihood of a crash but also makes the resulting injuries more severe. High-speed accidents are common on interstates and rural highways where speed limits are higher.
• Oklahoma City’s weather, including ice storms, heavy rain, and fog, contributes to poor road conditions. Slippery roads and reduced visibility make driving more dangerous, particularly in winter months.

What efforts is Oklahoma City taking to reduce accidents?

In response to growing concerns about traffic safety, Oklahoma City and state officials have implemented various measures to reduce accidents, including:

• The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office continues to run education campaigns about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.
• State troopers and local police have increased patrols in high-risk areas and implemented stricter penalties for traffic violations.
• The city has worked on improving intersections, adding better signage, and upgrading pedestrian crosswalks to enhance safety for all road users.
• Law enforcement has ramped up efforts to curb drunk and drugged driving by conducting more sobriety checkpoints and increasing penalties for repeat offenders.

While the full 2024 data has yet to be published, the trends discussed earlier suggest that Oklahoma City continues to face significant traffic safety challenges. Efforts by state and local officials aim to improve road safety, but drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians must also do their part by staying alert, following traffic laws, and making responsible decisions on the road.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic accident in Oklahoma City, legal assistance can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. At Cunningham & Mears, we represent accident victims and work to ensure they receive the justice they deserve. Whether you’ve been injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle accident claims on a contingency fee basis.