OHP To Increase I-40 Patrols For Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol stepping up patrols this week along the I-40 corridor as part of the fourth annual "Interstate 40 Challenge Drive to Zero Fatalities" initiative. 

According to OHP Chief Ricky Adams, the I-40 challenge, which will begin Wednesday, consists of increased patrols along the I-40 corridor that stretches through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and North Carolina. 

The challenge will take place on the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving period: Wednesday and Sunday, November 27, 2016.  

"We ask Oklahomans to play their part in protecting our roadways,” Adams said. “Drivers should be alert, focused, belted and sober. Let’s focus on what’s most important – keeping our roadways safe during this holiday season.”

Troopers will focus on drivers who are in violation of state laws, including those related to speeding, impaired driving, occupant protection and texting.

“Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, but they can also be a time of sadness and difficulty,” said OHP Capt. Paul Timmons. “We care about you and your families, which is why we will be working hard to make sure that you make it safely to your destination.”  

Troopers will be assigned every 20 miles of I-40 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 27. There will also be an increased presence on other highways throughout Oklahoma during the holiday.

I-40 runs 2,555 miles through eight states, with 331 miles in Oklahoma. 

In 2015, during the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday period in Oklahoma, 10 people died and 272 were injured in crashes on Oklahoma roadways, troopers said.

Four of the deaths occurred in alcohol- or drug-related crashes.