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Last Modified on Feb 11, 2026
We all want to keep ourselves and our families safe, but there are some risks inherent to modern life. Driving represents one of those risks. Every time we get in the car, we face the possibility of an accident. If you are a resident of the Tulsa metropolitan area, one of the things you can do to protect yourself and your family is educate yourself about the most dangerous roads and intersections in Tulsa.
When you or a family member is dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you may need to hire a car accident lawyer to explain your legal options and help you navigate your case.
Tulsa Driving Statistics
Tulsa is one of the largest cities in its region, with an estimated population of nearly 416,000 people. With all of these people in one area, and most of them driving cars on a daily basis, accidents are bound to happen. In 2021, there were over 11,000 car accidents reported in Tulsa County, resulting in a total of 105 fatalities.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
There are myriad causes for car accidents, and many of them have multiple contributing factors. Some crashes are caused by driver errors or poor decision-making, while others are primarily caused by factors that are beyond a driver’s control, such as weather or unknown mechanical problems. Here are some of the most common contributors to roadway accidents:
- Other drivers’ negligence: When another driver does not meet the duty of care they owe to others on the road, it can lead to accidents, injuries, and wrongful death.
- Drunk driving: People driving under the influence of alcohol is a major public health crisis in Oklahoma and throughout the United States. Every day, an average of 34 people across the country lose their lives in alcohol-related car accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is another major risk factor for car accidents. In today’s technology-saturated world, many drivers find it difficult to focus on the road rather than their phones. This results in delayed reaction times and, therefore, accidents.
- Speeding: Speed limits are imposed for a reason. Ignoring them can lead to losing control of a vehicle or following other cars too closely.
- Weather conditions: Some hazardous driving conditions are outside of our control. Ice, snow, and rain can all reduce friction between tires and the road, leading to slipping or hydroplaning. Wind is also a significant hazard, as straight-line winds are capable of blowing cars out of their lanes or blowing high-profile vehicles over.
- Mechanical failure: Mechanical failure is also a surprisingly common cause of accidents, particularly where large trucks are involved. Brake failure is a real possibility, and one that can easily contribute to a crash.
Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Tulsa
It can be difficult to pinpoint the most dangerous roads and intersections in a city because conditions and data are ever-changing. However, crash data provide some insights. The following can be considered the most dangerous roads and intersections in the Tulsa area:
- US Highway 169 and 21st Street: This intersection is among the most dangerous in all of Oklahoma, not only in Tulsa.
- US Highway 169 and 31st Street: US Highway 169 is a major north-south thoroughfare in the Tulsa area, making it a prime road for intersection-related accidents.
- Aspen Avenue and Highway 51: Highway 51, also called Broken Arrow Expressway, is another major highway that runs through Tulsa from the northwest to the southeast.
- North 9th Street and Highway 51: Situated a little farther east than Aspen Avenue, this intersection is still situated in a particularly busy area, especially during the morning and evening commutes.
How Can Tulsa Residents Stay Safe While Driving Through Dangerous Intersections?
As with any driving situation, staying safe in dangerous intersections is a matter of vigilance and caution. To give themselves the chance of avoiding an accident, drivers should remember the following:
- It is imperative to check your blind spot before turning, especially when merging onto a highway or exiting.
- Never assume that someone is turning simply because the turn signal is on. Wait for confirmation.
- If road conditions are hazardous, proceed with extreme caution. Rain is more dangerous than one might think.
- Use extra caution when driving late at night or early in the morning, when other drivers are more likely to be drowsy.
FAQs
What Are the Biggest Roads Near Downtown Tulsa?
The largest roads in the downtown Tulsa area are Interstate 244, Highway 64, and Highway 75. These major highways converge in the Tulsa metropolitan area and turn into a circular expressway that carries cars around the perimeter of downtown Tulsa. These roads are all likely to be particularly crowded during heavy travel times, including during the morning and evening commutes.
How Many Major Highways Are There in the Tulsa Metro Area?
There are four major highways in the Tulsa metro area, including Interstate 44, Interstate 244, Highway 64, Highway 75, and Highway 169, which runs north to south along the outside edge of the city, to the east of downtown. All of these roads play a significant role in the movement of traffic around the city, and they are therefore some of the more dangerous roads in the area in terms of speed and frequency of crashes.
How Many People in Oklahoma Are Killed in Car Accidents Each Year?
The number of people killed in car accidents in Oklahoma each year fluctuates, but the figure is invariably several hundred. In the year 2024 alone, there were 710 recorded car accident fatalities in the state, resulting from 99,000 reported crashes. The number of fatalities averages out to 1.9 per day.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Tulsa?
If you are in a car accident in Tulsa, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are physically able to do so, you should then call the police to report the accident, get the other driver’s insurance information, and file a claim with the insurance company. It is also advisable to hire a lawyer to help you through this process.
Injured? Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident in the Tulsa area, your insurance claim may not be enough to cover your losses. At Fulmer Sill, we empower injured people to seek the compensation they deserve to rebuild their lives. Contact us to discuss your case.
