Oklahoma’s Deadliest Roads and Fatal Accident Statistics

10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Oklahoma

Drunk Driving Involved in 26% of Fatal Accidents

Between 2018 and 2020, 468 out of 1,786 deadly crashes recorded in Oklahoma involved drunk driving. That’s more than any other contributing factor we analyzed, including distracted driving, speeding and winter driving.

You're considered legally drunk in Oklahoma if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08%. However, even the slightest amount of alcohol in your system can impair your driving abilities. For example, having about two alcoholic drinks raises your BAC to 0.02%; this level of intoxication makes keeping your eyes on a moving target difficult, which is essential when you’re behind the wheel.

Not all incidents result in fatalities, but the consequences of drunk driving are long-term and expensive. Your driving privileges may be restricted, your license may be suspended, and you may even serve jail time. A DUI on your record may also make finding affordable car insurance in Oklahoma challenging.

Speeding Is a Factor in 22% of Fatal Crashes

MoneyGeek’s study found that speeding was a factor in 398 deadly Oklahoma crashes from 2018 to 2020. According to the National Safety Council, speeding-related deaths increased by 19% in the U.S. in 2020.

Driving beyond the speed limit doesn't leave you time to respond to a hazardous situation appropriately. If you’re speeding, you’ll need more time to stop your vehicle safely; if you get into an accident, speeding increases the force of impact. This can lead to more severe injuries and, in the worst-case scenario, death.

Distracted Driving Contributed to 9% of Fatal Accidents

In Oklahoma, 153 fatal accidents from 2018 to 2020 involved distracted driving — 8.6% of all deadly crashes. While this number is relatively low compared to fatal accidents involving drunk driving and speeding, MoneyGeek's distracted driving study found that Oklahoma had the No.12 highest rate of distracted driving deaths in the country. In 2015, Oklahoma became the 46th state to prohibit drivers from texting while behind the wheel.

July Had More Fatal Accidents Than Any Other Month

MoneyGeek’s study also determined when fatal accidents most often occurred between 2018 and 2020. Our results showed that July had the highest number of deadly crashes of any month at 189, making up 10.6% of all fatal accidents in Oklahoma in this three-year period. June and October had the second-highest numbers of accidents, each with 177 incidents.

Average Fatal Accidents by Month

Driving Safely Protects You, Others and Your Wallet

Practicing safe driving doesn't just save you and your passengers' lives — it also helps you save money. Having coverage is essential in Oklahoma. You won't be permitted to drive if you don't have an insurance policy. An affordable full coverage auto insurance policy can usually best protect you, your loved ones and your assets in the event of an accident.

The average cost of car insurance in Oklahoma is $1,299 per year. However, rates may vary depending on where you live. For example, the cost of car insurance in Oklahoma City, the most populous city in the state, is $1,285 annually. In comparison, expect to spend around $1,313 for auto insurance in Tulsa. That’s a difference of $28.

Remember, these sample premiums are averages based on different driver profiles. Your premium may differ due to your personal details, such as your driving history and age. Comparing quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find the cheapest auto insurance company for you.

Fatal Accidents and Most Dangerous Roads: County Breakdown

MoneyGeek's study found that the five counties with the most deadly crashes between 2018 and 2020 contributed 582 out of all reported incidents in Oklahoma. That's 33% of all accidents resulting in fatalities. Oklahoma County had the most deadly crashes out of all counties in the state, with 228. Most of these involved speeding and drunk driving and happened along I-40.

Fatal Accidents and Contributing Factors By County

Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) database using fatality data from 2018, 2019 and 2020. Currently, 2020 is the latest data available in the system.