The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority have launched a new statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wearing seatbelts.

Currently, state officials say just 86% of Oklahomans buckle their seatbelts when driving—well below the national average of 91%.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data from 2023, Oklahoma ranks 44th in the nation for seat belt use.

State officials point out that males aged 16 and older are especially at risk, particularly in rural areas where seat belt usage can drop to just 77%.

ODOT data also shows that nearly half of all fatal crashes in the state involve someone who was not wearing a seat belt.

“Out there across the state, we do see the impact of these crash

See Full Page