INTRODUCTION

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are encouraging Oklahomans to drive safely this year by emphasizing the importance of seat belt safety and work zone safety. Click on the tabs above or continue scrolling to find more information about the resources available to you, our state’s progress and why buckling your seat belt and driving slow in work zones helps saves lives.

INTRODUCTION

The national estimate of seat belt use by adult front-seat passengers in 2020 was 90.3 percent. In Oklahoma, the seat belt usage is 84 percent — ranking us at No. 43 nationally. Though 84 percent may seem high to some, we can and should aim higher when so many fatalities are preventable.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is supporting increased seat belt usage statewide as one of Oklahoman’s Top Ten initiatives with a goal of increasing usage by 10 percent within the next few years.

Did you know wearing your seat belt could reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent? The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority ask motorists to be our safety partners by buckling up each and every time they get into a vehicle.

Buckling Up Makes a Difference

Shelly Williams speaks out about the importance of buckling your seat belt and shares how the loss of her 17-year-old son, Cody, in a crash still impacts her family today.

No Excuses

Whatever your excuse is, it’s not good enough. Wear your seat belt — It’s Not Just About You.

I Buckle

These Oklahomans buckle up. Do you?

INTRODUCTION

Did you know the top three causes of work zone fatalities are speeding, following too closely and distracted driving? Eliminating these dangerous driving habits will help keep you and others safe. Work zones change frequently, and many new ones may be put in place as the construction season continues. We urge drivers to check for work zones before travelling by using our app, checking traffic advisories or a map of current work zones at www.odot.org or viewing current traffic conditions at www.oktraffic.org.

We want to thank drivers for paying attention in work zones, obeying the speed limits and leaving adequate distance between themselves and workers and other cars.

Slow Down in Work Zones

Use caution in all work zones.

James Dawkins       

B. A. Reynolds        

Henry Cornelius      

L. C. Sanders          

Jim Nash      

James A. Lile           

Lawrence E. Lane

Lawrence A. Felkel Jr.

Connell R. Duncan 

James Johnson

Alex Morgan

Arthur L. Dooley

Coy Blair

Cecil Honsinger

Riley D. Wilson

William S. Nichols

Leonard Spain

Clarence L. Clay

Alex Manous

Hugh E. Storts

7/21/1931

5/14/1940

11/9/1953

11/15/1953

8/17/1955

3/25/1957

3/25/1957

3/25/1957

6/19/1958

8/819/58

11/27/1958

11/27/1958

12/24/1958

10/7/1960

3/9/1961

5/7/1963

6/4/1963

7/24/1963

4/16/1964

7/3/1964

F. Leonard Stroyick

James Earldon Rose

Carl M. Strain

Overton Love

Norris D. Crager

Sammie D. Wilson

Ray Caldwell

F. W. Motley

Donald Killian

Austion Behn

Tom Carlile

Luey V. Holland

Oather J. Dryden

Clarence Maggard

John E. Botts

Orville E. Holman

Pat Hobbs

Oscar Standeford Jr.

Joe K. Battle

James D. Berry

Paul E. Hatcher

5/25/1965

11/8/1965

12/3/1965

11/22/1966

7/28/1967

8/10/1967

9/11/67

9/2/1969

6/8/1970

11/9/1970

5/18/1971

7/16/1971

2/18/1972

3/13/1973

10/10/1973

10/7/1975

4/4/1977

9/7/1977

7/24/1978

9/6/1978

1/24/1979

V. Lanell Shindler

Robert L. Scott

Donald D. Boyd

Robert Keesee

Gene Boatright

Leon N. Harp Sr.

Roy B. Bowman

Herbert A. Albers

Gary D. Ledbetter

Carolyn Woods

Judd Faudree

Robert Cherry

A.C. Evans

Terry Clubb

Ira Henderson

Tim Vandiver

Gordon Pipkin

Jerald Warden

Jarrell Gray

Rickie Nichols Jr.

7/26/1982

9/10/1984

10/7/1987

3/10/1988

2/21/1990

10/23/1991

9/7/1993

6/15/1994

6/26/1998

12/1/1998

12/28/2005

6/8/2007

9/8/2010

6/14/2011

11/30/2011

6/25/2012

6/5/2015

6/11/2015

5/18/2016

5/10/2018

Virgil “Jack” Holland

Charles Looney

James Stanfill

Gerald Hendrick

Floyd Nelson

James Jones

Robert Williams Jr.

Henry Wheeler

Elvin Shipman

Jack Wofford

John Page

Turner Turnpike

Will Rogers Turnpike

Turner Turnpike

Turner Turnpike

Will Rogers Turnpike

Will Rogers Turnpike

Indian Nation Turnpike

Cimarron Turnpike

Cimarron Turnpike

Will Rogers Turnpike

Indian Nation Turnpike

7/13/1966

8/22/1967

6/3/1976

9/6/1981

8/22/1984

1/4/1985

7/11/1986

4/12/1993

6/23/1996

3/5/1999

6/22/1999

INTRODUCTION

In 2020 – 61 motorcyclists died on Oklahoma roadways.

​

Here are the facts: 

• Per miles traveled, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash.

• 30% of crash fatalities were caused by motorcyclists driving without a valid motorcycle license.

• NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017.

• In Oklahoma alone, 62% of motorcycle fatalities were caused by drivers not wearing a helmet.

It’s easy to do better. By working to do these simple steps before getting on your motorcycle, you can protect yourself, other drivers and your loved ones. Remember, It’s Not Just About You. 

• Always make sure to obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings.

• Check all aspects of your motorcycle before your ride.  

• Wear your helmet, and make sure it’s the right size too.  

Seat Belt Safety Press Release

Work Zone Safety Press Release

Work Zone Safety Week Event

Want to learn more about Driving Safely in Oklahoma? Reach out to us and let us know how we can help.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 N.E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Follow us on social media to stay informed on Oklahoma Transportation.