Memorial Day Weekend Brings Several Fatal Crashes to Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — This Memorial Day Weekend is seeing tragedy on the roadways.

In Harmon County, police say a man was killed when his car went over a drop off on Highway 30, the passenger is in critical condition.

In Sequoyah County, authorities are working on a multi-car deadly crash.

In Edmond, police say a man being pushed in a wheelchair was killed crossing the road. The man pushing him later died at the hospital.

Also in Edmond, Authorities are investigating a theft that led to a car chase, police say the suspects in the alleged theft hit a couple in their late 70s after running a red light. One of the suspects ran, but the driver and the couple are in critical condition.

According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol, last year during Memorial Day Weekend there were four fatal car accidents. This year, there have already been three, and police in Sequoyah County are still working on another fatal crash.

A Facebook post by the OHP reports that last year during the Memorial Day Holiday there were 531 crashes statewide, four of them being fatal.

Of the 531 crashes, at least 39 were alcohol or drug-related, meaning over 7% of the holiday crashes in Oklahoma involved a potentially impaired driver.

Experts are anticipating even more traffic on the roads this year, and want drivers to be safe,

“We are expecting it to be back. Like before pre-pandemic,” said AAA Emergency Roadside Supervisor, Greg Godbout.

The OHP is warning drivers and passengers to buckle up, as two of the fatal crashes last year were not wearing their seatbelts.

Oklahoma has seen multiple fatal wrecks with motorcycles this past month, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging drivers and motorcyclists to share the road, be alert, and if you are riding a motorcycle, make yourself visible, and always wear a helmet.

AAA is expecting upwards of 3500 breakdowns this weekend, and is encouraging all drivers to check their vehicles before their road trips.

“We’re going to have more cars on the road so there’s going to be more vehicles that are possibility breaking down,” said Godbout. “Just like you’re gonna plan for a vacation or this trip and plan with your vehicle. Take a look at it. Check your battery, check your air pressures, check the fluids, and make sure you’re ready to travel.”

If you are traveling this weekend, make sure to check your vehicle, buckle up, drive safe, and NEVER get behind the wheel if you are not sober.

For more on motorcycle safety click here.