In Oklahoma, City Drivers Face Highest Risk for Crashes

Car crashes and other auto collisions are one of the leading causes of death among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are also costly: the National Safety Council estimates that car accidents were responsible for $276.6 billion in costs in 2012, which is a 5% increase in the economic impact of auto accidents compared to 2011. City driving is particularly dangerous, and drivers, passengers, motorcycle riders, pedestrians and large truck drivers all need to be cautious when taking to the city streets.

Proof of the dangers of city driving is evident in Oklahoma’s 2011 City Crash Facts Report. Of the 53,342 reported accidents, 35,000 took place on city streets. If you add accidents that happened on urban state and federal highways, that number jumps to 46,573—and that does not even count the 6,880 additional traffic collisions that occurred on Oklahoma’s interstates, many of which likely took place in and around cities where traffic is worse because of commuters, travelers, truckers, and motorcyclists sharing the road.

Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman are the state’s largest cities by population, and they accounted for 53% of Oklahoma’s auto accidents in 2011. Considering that many people live in adjoining towns and commute into the cities for work and that the numbers reflect only accidents that took place within the city limits, these three metro areas likely had even more auto wrecks.

There are several risk factors for city drivers that make their travel more dangerous than their rural counterparts. Distracted driving is harder to avoid, and there are simply more drivers on the road who might make a deadly mistake. Traffic signals, school zones, rush hour congestion, train tracks, construction, and high-density commercial areas are more difficult for drivers to navigate safely, and all of these are daily challenges for city drivers.

If you have been in a car crash, truck accident, motorcycle wreck or other traffic collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, property damage, or other expenses related to the crash. The trial lawyers at Burch, George & Germany, P.C., are talented and relentless advocates for clients in cases related to auto crashes. Contact us today to learn about your rights!