Amid Spike in Roadway Fatalities, Oklahoma Transportation Czar Asks Motorists to Slow Down

The article reports a sharp rise in work zone fatalities in Oklahoma, with 33 deaths recorded in 2023—an increase of 106% from the previous year, according to Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz. The surge is attributed primarily to excessive speeding and distracted driving, with concerns that crashes may continue to rise during the busy spring season. Gatz emphasizes that the danger extends beyond active work zones to routine roadside maintenance, where workers remain vulnerable despite safety measures and existing “slow down, move over” laws. The article underscores the urgent need for greater driver awareness and compliance to improve roadway safety for workers.