Stupid Driving in Oklahoma: Need to Know & Definite No-No’s

With nearly 2,600,000 licensed drivers in Oklahoma, things can get dicey when people don't play by the rules. When driving in the Sooner state, there are a few things that everyone should avoid, keep in mind and be aware of when traveling.

Riding the Left Lane

People in Oklahoma love the left lane so much, lawmakers imposed a law restricting left lane traffic to passing or allowing for merging traffic the space to do so safely. According to Oklahoma Statute Title 47, "A vehicle shall not be driven in the left lane of a roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; provided, however, this paragraph shall not prohibit driving in the left lane when traffic conditions, flow or road configuration, such as the potential of merging traffic, require the use of the left lane to maintain safe traffic conditions." Long story short: if you're in Oklahoma, and you're traveling slower than those behind you, move to the right.

Waving Hi

Although Oklahoma is ranked number 9 on the list of "friendliest states," you'll find it more common than not to see someone nodding or waving hi to passing commuters, even if you know for certain that you've never met that person in your life. No, these people aren't mistaken - they meant to say hello and its common courtesy to say it back. If you aren't sure how, just mimic the wave they gave you. Generally, you'll see one or two fingers raise from the steering wheel, or a polite head nod in your direction.

Pulling to the Right

Not only if you're being pulled over by law enforcement, either. You'll see drivers in Oklahoma move to the right for funerals, emergency situations and very rarely to allow the vehicle behind to pass. Although thought to be illegal, it is allowed for traffic slowing to turn right to use the right shoulder to allow faster traffic to pass, according to Oklahoma Statute 47-11-301.

Turning or Moving Between Lanes Without a Blinker

I'll admit, this one strikes a nerve for me: if you're moving in traffic, you're supposed to signal your intent before acting. Too often, people react impulsively and expect traffic around them to just adjust to their driving habits. Although it's easy to live like "it's our world and everyone else is just living in it," drivers in Oklahoma need to remember that they aren't the only people that matter while on the road. Not just for safety reasons, but legal reasons, as well. If you're looking for the law, here you go:

"No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal, as provided in division (B) below.

(B) A signal of intention to turn right or left, as required by law, shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning."

- Oklahoma Statute 71 - 023

Tractors

If you're driving in Oklahoma, especially in rural areas, during harvest season, there's a fair chance you'll run into a tractor joining everyone on the road. Some tractors may have attachments and machinery behind them that take up a good portion of the road. For tractor drivers, they're required to pull to the right side of the road when available to allow traffic to pass; however, if it isn't possible for them to pull to the right, it's important to remain behind the tractor until you're able to pass safely - not on or before a hill or while two solid lines are in the center of the road.

Animals Crossing

One thing to admire about Oklahoma is our wildlife. Deer, elk, bison, opossums, raccoons, armadillos and cattle are commonly seen on the roads.  If traveling through the state, drive with awareness that animals may cross the road at any time of day, especially at night in rural areas.

Oklahoma drivers: what should others do, never do, or definitely know when they visit? Tell us about your thoughts on the app!

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