Transportation Safety in Central Oklahoma
ACOG is continually focused on providing safe and secure transportation systems for users in Central Oklahoma. This encourages local municipalities to improve the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure to reduce the number and severity of crashes, injuries, and fatalities of users.
ACOG holds a Call for Projects for the Surface Transportation and Block Grant Program (STBG-UZA) every fall, in which $1.8 to $2.7 million worth of federal funding is awarded to safety projects. These safety projects are 100% paid through this program. Some examples of eligible safety projects include new traffic lights, upgraded signalization of traffic lights, pavement markings, guardrails, flashing stop signs, pedestrian crossing signs, and more.
Every year, ACOG staff validates and updates the Regional Snow Route Map to ensure that motorists know the best route choices during winter storm events. This system of regional snow routes assists in providing better service and increased safety for all travelers within the region, including emergency vehicles, school buses, public transportation, and commercial vehicle traffic.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has a number of safety initiatives such as work zone safety awareness. Find out more on their website.
Crash Analysis
Although fatal and serious traffic crashes occur throughout the region, certain streets and intersections have been found to have higher than average death and injury crash rates.
Every five years, ACOG compiles a Regional Crash Data Analysis report to pinpoint crash hotspons, as well as a multi-year temporal and spatial patterns that provide valuable information to decision makers in need of prioritizing intersection improvements.
High Crash Areas in Oklahoma City
Regional Safety Action Plan
In 2022, ACOG secured a substantial grant of $192,000 through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program courtesy of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant underscores the unwavering commitment of ACOG to create roadways that prioritize safety and accessibility for everyone.
The SS4A program, championed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is dedicated to transforming roads into safer, more accessible spaces for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and beyond. At its core, SS4A is more than just a funding opportunity; it’s a movement that transcends infrastructure to encompass education, awareness, and collaboration.
Over the course of 2023 and 2024, ACOG is dedicated to developing a comprehensive Central Oklahoma Regional Safety Action Plan. This initiative brings together stakeolders, data-driven insights, and strategic approaches to enhance road safety throughout the region.
ACOG values all input and insights. Any questions, suggestions, or feedback regarding local safety endeavors, can be sent here.
Engagement from the community plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of road safety in Central Oklahoma. Stay tuned for updates as ACOG and partners work toward completion of this plan in the winter of 2024.
Pedestrian Safety Month
October is not just another month; it’s a time to shine a spotlight on an issue that deeply impacts our community – pedestrian safety.
In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safey Administration (NHTSA) commemorated the first Pedestrian Safety Month to increase awareness of pedestrian safety, particularly as pedestrian fatalities have increased across the country.
Unfortunately, in 2021, there were 7,388 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 12.5 percent increase from the 6.565 pedestrian fatalities in 2020. This is the highest since 1981.
In 2021 there were an estimated 60,577 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes, an 11 percent increase from 54,771 pedestrians injured in 2020. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 71 minutes and injured every 9 minutes in traffic crashes in 2021.
To help get the word out about pedestrian safety, ACOG coordinates messaging and events for Pedestrian Safety Month in Central Oklahoma. In 2023, the region celebrated Walk to School Day which encouraged students and parents to try walking to school or the bus stop as an alternative to driving. ACOG also presented The Street Project documentary at the OKC Downtown Public Library that highlighted the importance of pedestrian safety.
Watch for Me OK
Watch for Me OK is a community initiative from ACOG and supported by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO). This campaign is more than road safety – it is a call to action, a commitment to each other, and a pledge to ensure local roads are safe for everyone.
Be a catalyst for change and join the movement. Explore the Watch for Me OK website, follow the campaign on social media, and spread the word. Together, Cenral Oklahoma can shift the road culture, ensuring that every journey is a safer, more secure one. Community involvement matters – join ACOG in making a positive impact on road safety through th epower of public awareness.
Follow Watch for Me OK
Contact TPS Staff
Association of Central Oklahoma Governments
(405) 234-2264
Office Address
4205 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | M-F