According to a recent study conducted by the website 24/7 Wall St, Oklahoma was ranked Number 5 on the list of Most Dangerous States to Drive in the U.S.
The study looked at the most recent data collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and takes into account factors including total state roadway fatalities, percentage of alcohol-involved crashes, seatbelt use, and more. This study determined that Oklahoma is the 5th most dangerous state for drivers in the country, behind only Montana, North Dakota, Mississippi, and West Virginia.
The data shows that in Oklahoma in 2013, there were 17.6 deaths on the road for every 100,000 state residents. That rate was among the highest in the country. To make matters worse, the study also found that fewer Oklahoma drivers use a seatbelt than the nationwide average. While 87% of Americans use a seatbelt, on average only 84% of Oklahoma motorists buckle up before driving.
Read more about this study here.
Unfortunately, Oklahoma’s position on this list shows that much more must be done to increase driver safety statewide. In Oklahoma in 2013 there were 69,430 car crashes statewide, resulting in 23,423 injuries and 678 fatalities. We all must do our part to try and reduce this number of accidents.
At Graves McLain, we want to remind all drivers to buckle up before every trip, obey the speed limit, and NEVER get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. These rules are especially important during the holidays when there are more families out on the road, and the volume of traffic is higher than normal.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in any type of vehicle accident that was not your fault, call Graves McLain at 918-359-6600 for a FREE consultation about your case. When you call, one of our experienced Tulsa, Oklahoma Car Accident lawyers will investigate every detail of your accident and fight to get you the maximum compensation.
At Graves McLain, we take all cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you. At Graves McLain, we don’t get paid until you do.
Graves McLain – Serious Lawyers for Serious Injuries