Tragic Weekend Highlights Urgent Need For Road Safety

They say that the summer time breeds more aggressive drivers on the road. But this year, we've been dealing with more than just aggressive drivers in Oklahoma. Instead, we've had some real dangerous behaviours that have led to some unfortunate losses.

Because of this craziness, authorities are urging folks to be more mindful on the roads. Over the past weekend, starting July 25, twelve lives were lost in Oklahoma - many in preventable situations.

Fortunuately, there were a few incidents that could have ended up worse than what they did. But the warning to be more safe on the road still applies.

Driver in Oklahoma attempts to drive without a steering wheel, instead they used...

I'll be the first to admit that I originally thought this post came from Florida or Ohio. But, once I realized it was our very own Oklahoma City Fire Department that shared this news, I couldn't deny that it happened right here in the sooner state.

A multi-vehicle car crash happened in Oklahoma City on Saturday, July 26 and the OKC Fire Department responded. They discovered that one of the drivers, incredulously, was driving without a steering wheel. Instead, they had a pair of vice grips secured to the steering column.

Somehow, no injuries were reported from this incident, but other events over the weekend didn't have as good of an outcome.

Oklahoma authorities urge drivers to be more careful following seven crashes over the weekend.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that they lost twelve lives in just a span of a few days. While three of these victims were lost to drowning incidents, nine lives were claimed in seven crashes.

One of the hardest aspects of these losses is the fact that there are steps to prevent losses like these. For other drivers, especially those that may not think anything of driving while impaired, drunk or tired, there's a very real chance that you'll do some irreperable damage to you or someone else.

As a reminder from the Highway Patrol, drivers should:

• Slow down and stop tailgating. Not only will you be able to stop faster, but the most space you have between you and another vehicle, the less risk you have of wrecking.
• Use your lights! That's what they're there for. Communicate with the other drivers around you and let them know that you're there, especially in foggy, dark or rainy conditions.
• Stay off of the phone.
• Do not drink while impaired or drunk. Your life isn't the only one that you have to worry about when you drive.