Oklahoma City, OK – Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) have investigated 22 crashes along the Turner Turnpike since November 1, averaging just over one per day, according to a report released Monday.
Fifteen of those crashes were non-injury, while five resulted in injuries. Two hit-and-run cases were also reported. Of the 22 total investigations, 18 have been completed, with four still ongoing, OHP officials said.
Primary causes include driver inattention—such as drifting off the roadway, overcorrecting, or falling asleep—accounting for 61% of completed crash reports. Additional contributing factors cited unsafe speeds, improper lane changes, and drivers following too closely.
Semi-trucks were involved in 55% of the completed crashes, and troopers found that in half of those, the semi-truck driver was the primary cause. OHP noted that only about 10% of the Turner Turnpike is currently under construction, yet nearly half of the recent collisions occurred within these active work zones.
Authorities are urging drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions behind the wheel. “These crashes are completely preventable,” OHP stated. “One glance at your phone could cause injury or death and endanger the hardworking crews improving our roadways.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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