19-02-2025
Icy weather leads to crashes and close calls on roads
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Roads continued to worsen throughout the day on Tuesday as snow started and the temperatures stayed cold. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority said three snow plows were hit by other drivers.
'We are really needing motorists to slow down in these conditions. They should probably be driving 50 mile per hour or less,' said Lisa Shearer-Salim, an OTA spokesperson.
VIDEO: Semi sideswipes snow plow on Turner Turnpike near Chandler
Snow plows are vital during weather like this and OTA said it's important to watch for them on roads.
There were multiple car wrecks across the metro from the icy conditions. One truck even flipped over on the side of the road.
Oklahoma City Police said if you do get into a wreck or spin out and you can't move to a safe spot, it's important to stay inside the car.
'Definitely call 911. We'll get the resources out to you to help get you safely off the road and get your vehicle moved off the side of the road,' said Sgt. Dillon Quirk, Oklahoma City Police Department.
The colder weather is here for the next couple of days, but that's not stopping crews from working to keep roads as safe as possible.
'We will still utilize our material, but we will use less of it so that when the sun does come out and temperatures do rise a little bit, the material is there and ready to work. But we don't want to just dump unnecessary salt on the roads,' said Chris Daniels, the OKC Streets Superintendent.
'Traveling too fast': Accidents continue in the the metro, says OHP
'Our crews that are out on the roads work 12-hour shifts around the clock,' said Tara Henson, ODOT Communications.
In addition to working 12-hour shifts, ODOT has 100 plows working across the state to keep the roads as clear as possible.
Even with pre-treating the roads and monitoring them throughout the day, officials want to remind drivers to slow down.
'As conditions deteriorate, we really need people to give plenty of extra space to other vehicles and especially that 200 foot or more distance away from snow plow equipment,' said Shearer-Salim.
For more road updates you can download the Drive Oklahoma app.
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