Like many large cities throughout the United States, Oklahoma City has no shortage of dangerous roads and highways. Three major interstates converge in Oklahoma City, bringing commuters, travelers, and large truck drivers together on the same path. More than 140,000 commuters travel in and out of Oklahoma County every day, making traffic jams a common occurrence.
This article will list the most dangerous roads and highways in the greater Oklahoma City area. Each year, these roads are the site of accidents resulting in severe injuries and even deaths. You must exercise extra caution when traveling along these roads. Practice defensive driving. Respect the right-of-way of all drivers and be aware of your blind spots. Avoid speeding, and always wear a seatbelt.
If you suffered a severe injury in a car accident in Oklahoma City, you should not have to pay out of pocket for medical care, damaged property, and other expenses. You might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if the accident was caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver. The compassionate and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Abel Law Firm will review the details of your case when you call (405) 239-7046 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Below are six of the most dangerous Oklahoma City highways and roads
I-40 and I-235
I-235 cuts through downtown Oklahoma City, providing convenient access for commuters coming from I-35 North, the south side of the city, and the eastern part of Edmond. If you commute from the east or west sides of Oklahoma City, you will probably travel along I-40, which cuts through the middle of the city. This highway intersection should be approached with caution. Visitors to Oklahoma City are probably not used to this junction, which can add to the dangers. Be ready to stop often in heavy traffic. When changing lanes, move cautiously, and check your blind spots.
I-240 and I-35
This highway intersection is often congested with commuters to Oklahoma City. Communities south of Oklahoma City, like Norman and Moore, have tens of thousands of people who work in OKC. In addition to watching out for all the commuters, this route is among the most traveled by large trucks. Accidents involving large trucks are often devastating, causing catastrophic injuries and even death. At this junction, there isn’t much time for oncoming vehicles to get out of the way of the cars trying to exit. Hesitating or jumping the gun can result in an accident as it has to be done at higher speeds to avoid being crushed by oncoming traffic.
I-240 Between I-44 and I-35
This dangerous stretch of road is the main thoroughfare through the southern part of Oklahoma City. Many commuters use this route to avoid the even heavier downtown traffic. In addition to the high traffic, this stretch is often under construction, making it even more hazardous. There are also bustling neighborhoods and popular businesses and restaurants along this route. Be very careful when driving down I-240 between I-44 and I-35. Stay aware of the road and drivers around you. Reduce your speed when in a construction zone. Be prepared to slow down quickly if necessary.
I-44 Between Lake Hefner Parkway and I-235
Located on the northeast side of the city, this popular stretch has multiple left-exit off-ramps. In addition to commuter traffic during the week, this road gets congested on weekends and holidays as drivers travel to popular businesses in the area. It’s also important to be careful of all the tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers that take this route. I-44 between Oklahoma City and Tulsa has some of the heaviest large truck traffic in the state.
Turner Turnpike
This turnpike connects Oklahoma City and Tulsa, two of Oklahoma’s most populated cities. Turner Turnpike has a high-speed limit of 75 mph. Vehicular collisions that occur at high speeds can result in catastrophic injuries to the driver and severe damage to the vehicle.
State Highway 9
Even though it doesn’t run directly through Oklahoma City (it’s about 20 miles south), SR-9 is worth a mention because it ranked as the No. 2 most dangerous highway in the country, according to a 2018 study. This 348-mile highway spans east to west through central Oklahoma making it the state’s second-longest highway. Most of the fatal crashes on this highway occur along the portion of road in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, which is just south of Oklahoma City. Fifty fatal car accidents took place on this highway between 2010 and 2016.
If you have been injured in an accident on one of these dangerous Oklahoma City roads, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A qualified attorney can assess your accident case and inform you of your legal options.
Contact Us
The Oklahoma City car accident injury lawyers at Abel Law Firm are ready to fight for you. We have represented thousands of car accident victims throughout Oklahoma. Our compassionate and experienced lawyers understand how difficult it can be – physically, mentally, and financially – to recover from a car accident.
At Abel Law Firm, we are prepared to provide you with highly skilled legal representation from the moment you walk through the doors of our office. For nearly 50 years, our lawyers have worked tirelessly to ensure our clients get the full and fair compensation they deserve for their car accident injuries. A favorable outcome can give you the compensation you need to move on. We are here to help support you in your recovery.
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, you should not have to bear the consequences alone. Call our Oklahoma car accident lawyers today at (405) 239-7046 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
