Oklahomans Struggle With These Dangerous Road Conditions During The Winter Time

We've officially entered into winter weather season here in Oklahoma. Unlike the folks up north, we only have ice, snow, and sleet a few months out of the year. Which means, unfortunately, our roads and even most of our drivers aren't prepared for driving in such conditions.

Granted, we must be doing something right, since we aren't listed as one of the most dangerous states to drive in during the winter. However, we still see an alarming amount of accidents during the winter months, like what we saw earlier this year in February. In one day alone, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded to 330 accidents.

Luckily, in most conditions, you can get to where you're going fairly easily. But, if road conditions are anything like the following, your best bet is to leave extremely early, drive slow, or stay home if at all possible.

Just after freezing rain - beware of black ice.

Speeding in Oklahoma is already a very prevalent problem for most drivers. Mix the speeds with some ice that you can't see very well, and you have a recipe for disaster on the roads.

@sial4088Emergency update road condition. Oklahoma City temperature is 32 right now but it is little shower rain road is slippery. It is not safe to drive. Everyone please very careful to drive.♬ original sound -

Black ice, which is a thin, transparent layer of ice, forms on the roads just after freezing rain. Typically, it's the most slick early in the mornings, especially when it has been raining overnight and temperatures stay around or below freezing.

@accuweather An icy winter storm turned some roads in Oklahoma into ice rinks this week, creating dangerous travel conditions. ⁣ ⁣ #ice #icestorm #travel #oklahoma #winterstorm #spinouts #truckdrivers #weather #accuweather ♬ original sound - AccuWeather

Most road crews start their work around 6:45 a.m. or 7  a.m. each day, maybe a little earlier when conditions are worse. If you're traveling before crews have a chance to clear the roads, then you should be extra precautious with your driving.

Minor and major snow accumulation disrupts Oklahoma crews and drivers.

The fact of the matter is we just don't know how to deal with snow in Oklahoma. Because we rarely see much, our vehicles aren't prepared to handle snowy or icy roads. No snow tires or tire chains here folks, just four-wheel-drive and all season tires get us by.

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On the rare occasion we do see more than four inches of snow, it really throws people off. Road crews do their best to clear the roads ahead of time; but, when you're with a limited amount of equipment, you can only go so far, so fast.

Drivers here are notorious for being impatient and wanting to pass at the next opportunity. However, if you're behind a snowplow or salt truck, it is important not to pass them and stay 200 feet back from the vehicle.

How best to prepare for winter weather driving in Oklahoma.

Truly, it all comes down to one thing: planning. Leave early to your destination. Make sure your vehicle is as prepared for the winter weather as it possibly can be, top off your fluids and whatnot.

If you're able to stay home during severe winter weather events, it's a much better option. But, sometimes you can't help it. Instead, make sure you pack accordingly and run through your winter weather checklist.