Oklahoma Highway patrol
Traffic mishaps on a major highway have kept police in one state busy this month, including many involving tracvtor-trailers.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol recently said it has investigated 22 crashes on the Turner Turnpike since Nov. 1. The 88-mile-long toll road connects Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Troopers say the collisions include:
- 15 non-injury
- 5 injury
- 2 hit-and-run
The majority of accidents -- fully 61% -- were caused by driver inattention (falling asleep, drifting off roadway, overcorrecting). Troopers said other factors included unsafe speed, unsafe/improper lane changes, following too closely, and an over-height semi striking a bridge.
Troopers said semi-trucks were involved in 55% of crashes and were the cause of half of them.
Only 10% of the Turner Turnpike is under construction, yet nearly half of recent collisions have occurred in these zones, according to the troopers.
The trropopers said, "Drivers, stay alert and put your phone down. These crashes are completely preventable. One glance at your phone could cause injury or death and endanger the hardworking crews who are improving our roadways."
