Wrecks Pile Up As ODOT Works To Clear NE Oklahoma Roads

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Snow is affecting travel in much of Oklahoma, with one fatal accident occurring on an icy roadway.  The state Department of Public safety lists slick roads in all
but four Oklahoma counties Monday morning.

1/10/2011 Related story: Sapulpa Woman Killed When Car Plunges Into Pond

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has crews out trying to keep the roads clear.

Law enforcement is reporting a number of minor wrecks due mainly to ice and snow on roadways.  So far, none of the crashes has resulted in any injuries.

ODOT officials say statewide, there are 115 crews and 430 trucks available with more than 69,000 tons of salt and sand/salt mix; 63,000 tons of sand and more than 121 tons of magnesium chloride in 110 sheds. 

The city of Tulsa is on 'Operation Slick Streets' because of the weather.  That means that Tulsa Police only respond to injury accidents. If drivers have non-injury accidents that are asked to exchange insurance information and pick up an accident form at QuikTrip or another convenience store.

Officials say morning commuters are urged to plan for extra travel time and to drive for the conditions. 

ODOT says during snow and icy conditions, motorists are being asked to...

• Check road conditions before getting out on the roads.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind road-clearing equipment.
• Be aware of 'black ice," which looks wet on the roadway, but is actually a thin layer of ice.

To check current road conditions, call the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's road conditions hotline at 888-425-2385.

1/10/2011 Related story: Slick Roadway Leads To Tulsa Highway Crash

Snow and icy roads in eastern Oklahoma are impacting school districts.  A number of school districts in Adair, Cherokee, Pittsburg, Haskell, Wagoner, Sequoyah, Delaware, Muskogee, LeFlore and Latimer counties are closed Monday. 

View School Closings for Your Area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.