Oklahoma State Troopers Respond To Over 1,500 Traffic Calls Since Monday

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported troopers have responded to more than 1,500 traffic-related calls this week, as winter weather hit across the state.

Between the pandemic, constant calls, and staff shortages, troopers are spread thin.

They ask that drivers take the precautions seriously to help them keep our roads safe. From cars, to semi-trucks to equipment, they are all in danger on ice-covered roads.

Drivers like De'Angelo Jennings said they're trying to avoid crashes.

"A lot of cars in the ditches just because it's slick," Jennings said, describing what he saw during his drive Wednesday.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said from Monday morning to Wednesday evening, state troopers have responded to more than 1,500 traffic-related calls. Those include four deadly crashes, 275 injury collisions, 887 non-injury collisions and 365 motorist assists.

"We've been seeing a lot of single-vehicle crashes, vehicles that will slide off into a cable barrier, or they may slide off into a wall,” explained Trooper Mark Southall. “We've seen a lot of multi-vehicle crashes."

Southall responded to a pile-up near Henryetta Wednesday morning that included five semi-trucks and one car, shutting down the highway for hours.

"We are definitely spread thin,” said Southall. “There's multiple counties in which there may be just one trooper in that entire county working by himself."

Southall said while troopers will always respond to calls, there are things drivers can do to avoid a crash: Slow down and allow extra space between other vehicles.

"They're overconfident, and they don't realize they have a problem until they're in the problem," said Southall.

For those who can't stay home, like Jennings, who has a tree service business, they're being extra careful.

"I can handle myself pretty well on some slick ice, but it's definitely dangerous and definitely want to caution a lot of people from just taking unnecessary trips out," said Jennings.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol stressed that drivers should never hesitate to call 911. First responders will prioritize calls as needed.