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ODOT, Turnpike Authority working ahead to keep drivers safe

Posted 11:12 PM, Jan 18, 2019
and last updated 11:12 PM, Jan 18, 2019

TULSA, OK (KJRH) — During the storm the night of January 2, AAA responded to nearly 1,000 calls statewide. For the upcoming winter event, crews are doing everything they can to give drivers the safest roads possible.

There were 40 accidents in Tulsa alone with AAA responding to 980 calls in Oklahoma. The wrecks in Tulsa included a 21-car pile-up at the I-244 and I-44 split in west Tulsa.

ODOT and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are urging drivers to learn from the last event and take caution while they work to get ahead of the storm.

"Certainly it's a lesson we hope drivers are hearing as well," said ODOT Spokesperson Kenna Mitchell. "That is when there is any amount of precipitation on the ground, conditions can quickly turn to slick conditions as soon as that temperature gets near the freezing mark."

Officials with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority say trucks are on standby until temperatures drop to around 36 degrees. When that happens, they'll be spreading salt-sand mix on all roadways. If snow does begin to fall, snow plows and tow plows will be dispatched where necessary.

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