Oklahoma has seen a disturbing increase in fatal traffic accidents over the past few years. Along with the loss of life, the cost of these serious accidents has exceeded $18 billion in societal losses in 2022, according to TRIP. This included $4.5 billion in economic costs and $13.7 billion in quality-of-life costs.
The number of fatal car accidents in the state increased by 14% between 2019 and 2022. This trend continues as more drivers engage in “risky” behavior while behind the wheel.
At Doney Law, our Miami, OK, car accident lawyers understand how car accidents impact a victim’s life. We provide victims and their families with legal support and guidance to determine liability and seek compensation.
Here, you can learn more about the risky behavior leading to the surge in car accidents and how to protect your rights if you are injured.
What Is Considered “Risky Behavior?”
Risky behaviors on the road are dangerous actions (or inactions) that can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Many Miami car accidents involve risky behaviors that compromise the safety and well-being of the driver and everyone else on the road.
Some of the most common risky driving behaviors include:
- Distracted Driving: A momentary glance at a phone or a quick radio adjustment can lead to a lifetime of regret. This form of risky behavior is alarmingly common and is a leading cause of accidents.
- Speeding: Racing against time often ends in a battle with fate. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs blur the line between safety and danger, making driving under the influence one of the most condemnable actions leading to accidents.
These behaviors are classified as risky because they directly impair a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, react to sudden changes, and control their vehicle effectively. The consequences of such actions are not just numbers or statistics; they represent lives altered, dreams derailed, and families torn apart.
The Impact of Risky Behavior on Car Accident Rates in Miami, Oklahoma
Miami, Oklahoma, has witnessed a concerning uptick in car accidents recently. This trend is mirrored across the state.
Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence stand as the primary culprits in this alarming rise.
For example, survey data from AAA in 2022 on dangerous driving behaviors across the country showed an alarming rate of drivers who admitted to driving after drinking to the point of believing they were significantly over the legal limit. This reverses the decline in these dangerous driving behaviors seen between 2018 and 2020.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) confirmed the trends shown in AAA’s data, with 50% of individuals fatally injured in car accidents testing positive for alcohol or another impairing substance, with cannabis being the most common.
In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported a 16.5% increase in traffic fatalities in 2021. There was a 7% increase in traffic fatalities between 2019 and 2021.
AAA Oklahoma spokesperson Leslie Gamble states, “Each of these represents an individual who was valued and loved by others in their lives but who is suddenly gone.” While the financial toll is significant (as mentioned above), the societal and family impact is even more costly.”
Legal and Societal Consequences of Risky Driving Behaviors
Risky driving behaviors carry significant legal consequences to prevent others from doing so. Oklahoma law strictly penalizes the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is illegal in Oklahoma. The law requires drivers to give their full attention to the road. Thanks to the creation of the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Kieth Burch Act of 2015, the state was the 46th to ban texting and driving. Officers can pull drivers over for texting while behind the wheel and issue a $100 fine.
Drivers should remember that when going 55 mph, their vehicle travels the length of one football field in just three seconds. This shows how easy it is to get into an accident when distracted.
Speeding
Oklahoma has two types of speeding ticket laws: “basic speeding law” and “absolute limits.”
The basic speeding law means the speed at which you can drive safely based on the current conditions. For example, if the speed limit is 55 mph, you should only reach 55 mph when the road is not icy, foggy, or obstructed by other conditions. You may receive a citation if you are going too fast for the conditions, following another vehicle too closely, or keeping other vehicles from traveling at a safe speed.
Oklahoma is one of the few states that enforce absolute speed limits. You may receive a citation if you go faster than the speed limit in specific areas. Examples include:
- Interstates and four-lane highways: 75 mph
- Two-lane highways: 65 mph
- County roads: 55 mph
- Highways in wildlife refuges or state parks: 45 mph
- In state parks or wildlife refuges: 35 mph
- In most school zones: 25 mph
The penalties for drivers who receive a speeding citation depend on how fast they are going. Tickets can range from $10 to $205, with more severe consequences in place for reckless driving or repeat offenses.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or another impairing substance is taken seriously in Oklahoma. Consequences include significant fines, jail time, and the requirement to attend educational courses.
What this illustrates is that when you engage in risky driving behaviors, there is the possibility of harming yourself or others. You may face other consequences based on the action.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
The first step towards reducing car accidents in Miami is for drivers to recognize and minimize risky behaviors. Simple adjustments, such as adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions like mobile devices, and never driving under the influence, can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents. Individual responsibility is necessary, and each driver’s commitment to safety can dramatically reduce car accidents.
State and Local Initiatives
Oklahoma has launched several initiatives to enhance road safety and minimize accidents. These include stricter traffic law enforcement, the introduction of speed cameras in high-risk areas, and campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
In Miami, local authorities have partnered with schools and community organizations to promote safe driving messages through workshops and events, emphasizing the role of education in preventing accidents.
Your Rights After a Miami Car Accident
While drivers are encouraged to stay safe and avoid risky behaviors, accidents happen almost daily in Miami. If you are in an accident with a driver engaging in one of these risky actions, our experienced car accident attorneys in Miami, OK, are here to help.
We can review the facts of your case and advocate on your behalf. You can count on our team to help you seek justice and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
