Authorities To Crack Down On Uninsured Oklahoma Drivers

Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma Insurance Department plan a crackdown on deadbeat drivers. Law enforcement officers from both agencies will work together to address Oklahoma's uninsured driver problem with a series of safety checkpoints.

The first checkpoint is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, November 17.

Uninsured drivers aren't just a problem in wrecks - they affect other drivers' pocketbooks every day, according to Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak.

"One out of every four drivers in Oklahoma does not have the minimum liability coverage that's required by state law," Doak said in a news release.

"That is one reason we have some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country."

The Tulsa County Sheriff said he is pleased that the agencies can work together to reduce the number of uninsured motorists on area streets and highways.

"While insurance premiums continue to rise and the Legislature continues to enhance the criminal penalties for uninsured motorists, it only seems appropriate that as a law enforcement agency, we do what we can to protect the law abiding motorist," said Sheriff Stanley Glanz.

On Thanksgiving, Doak and several members of the Anti-Fraud Unit will ride along with Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers as part of the crackdown on uninsured drivers.