Amid spike in roadway fatalities, Oklahoma Transportation czar asks motorists to slow down

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma has seen a 106% spike in the number of work zone fatalities, Oklahoma’s transportation secretary said Monday.

Tim Gatz, who also serves as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation executive director, said in 2023, there were 33 work zone fatalities in Oklahoma, a 106% increase above the prior year, he said.

A spokesperson for the agency said  those are the most available figures.

Gatz attributed the increases to excessive speed and distracted driving.

Gatz said he expects the number of work zone crashes to increase going into the spring.

Amid spike in roadway fatalities, Oklahoma Transportation czar asks motorists to slow down • Oklahoma Voice