Oklahoma Saw Fewer Traffic Fatalities Over Holiday Weekend

Newson6.com & Tara Vreeland, News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It was a busy 4th of July weekend for Oklahoma law enforcement, but preliminary numbers show a drop in fatalities compared to last year.

According to the OHP, troopers reported five traffic related deaths and one drowning. Last year, authorities saw 10 traffic deaths statewide and no drowning.

A 6-year-old from Kiowa County was killed on Friday when a go-kart he was driving turned over on top of him.

07/01/2011 Related Story: Kiowa County Go Kart Accident Kills Six-Year-Old

Michael Macey, 41, was killed Sunday in Marshall County. He lost his balance, fell backwards off a golfcart and hit his head.

07/03/2011 Related Story: Moore Man Dies Of Head Injury In Fall From Golf Cart

Troopers were also busy writing tickets and taking DUI offenders off the streets. They made 119 DUI arrests, wrote 751 speeding tickets and handed out 541 seat belt violations.

Nearly 200 collisions occurred on Oklahoma highways during the holiday weekend, and 28 of those were alcohol related, according to the OHP.

Tulsa police kept busy too. They arrested 45 people for DUI and 33 for public intoxication.

TPD took 193 complaints about fireworks. Officers have to actually catch someone setting off fireworks before they can write a citation, and often, those who call to complain ultimately decide they don't want to snitch on their neighbors.

Broken Arrow police Captain Scott Bennett says four people were arrested for DUI and seven were jailed for public intoxication.

The booming sound of firecrackers will forever haunt the McCloud family.

Austin McCloud, 19, was killed after a firework shot off and hit him in the throat. It happened Sunday night as the McCloud's enjoyed a leisurely cookout. Family members called 911 but McCloud died on the way to the hospital.

7/4/2011 Related Story: Family Mourns For Skiatook Teen Killed In Fireworks Accident