Every state has specific places that are more dangerous than others, and the Sooner State is no exception because there are several dangerous places to avoid in Oklahoma. From intersections to neighborhoods to tornado-ridden areas, the following 10 spots are some of our most dangerous places in Oklahoma.
1. I-44 Tornado Corridor
According to Popular Mechanics Magazine, the I-44 Tornado Corridor was listed as one of the most dangerous places on the planet. There have been more than 140 tornadoes in the region, dating back to the early 1900s. In the picture above, these cars are taking refuge under an overpass in the I-44 corridor as a tornado passes through the area.
2. The 5-Mile Stretch of I-35 between SE 15th St and NE 36th St in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation lists this stretch of highway as the most dangerous in the state. Many traffic-related deaths occur every year on this highway. Between 2007 and 2012, when the data was recorded, 15 people were killed in car crashes along this stretch. The number one reason for these accidents is due to driver inattention.
3. Broken Arrow Expressway at Memorial Drive in Tulsa
The Broken Arrow Expressway and the Memorial Drive exit is the most dangerous intersection in Tulsa. The road sees a very high volume of traffic daily, and unfortunately, many injury wrecks have occurred at the Broken Arrow Expressway and Memorial Drive exit. Two other locations on the Broken Arrow Expressway - at Sheridan Road and Lewis Avenue - also top the list of dangerous intersections, earning this roadway a top spot on our list of the most dangerous places in Oklahoma.
4. Carter County
Find the Home took a look at the FBI's 2014 Crime Report and created a list of the top 30 most dangerous counties in the country. The data was based on violent crime rates, including murder. Carter County made the list at #22 as the most dangerous county in America. The number of violent crimes per 100k people: 938.1; the number of violent crimes reported: 453.
5. On I-240 between the Will Rogers Airport and South Eastern Ave
As the second-worst highway in Oklahoma City, this stretch saw 14 deaths
between 2007 and 2012. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation constantly reminds drivers to stay alert and to always keep their eyes on the road.
6. The Lakes
One of our state's most beautiful places is also one of the most dangerous places in Oklahoma. Many drownings occur every year at multiple lakes across the state. Not only can the lakes be dangerous, but they can also be deadly. At the top of the list of dangerous lakes are Kaw Lake, Oologah Lake, Sooner Lake, and Eufaula Lake. All have dangers such as tree stumps, sandbars, and shallow water filled with sticks or rocks. Please remember to never swim alone, know the danger zones, and wear a life jacket.
7. E Mohawk Blvd and N Cincinnati Ave in North Tulsa
Neighborhood Scout created a list of the top 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in the country based on the data gathered from the FBI and local law enforcement. This neighborhood in North Tulsa made the list at #9. What's your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in this area? One in 13.
8. NE 36th St and N Martin Luther King Ave in Oklahoma City
Another neighborhood that was included on the list of 25 worst neighborhoods in the U.S. is NE 36th St and N Martin Luther King Ave in Oklahoma City. Those living below the poverty line include half the families in this neighborhood. And the chance of being a victim is one in 12. It's not surprising this is one of the bad neighborhoods in Oklahoma City.
9. Midwest City
The most dangerous suburb in Oklahoma and the fourth most dangerous in the country is Midwest City, according to the Movoto Real Estate blog. Their data reports that one in 17 people will be a victim of a crime. On a positive note, Midwest City had the fourth lowest violent crime of any in their top 10 list.
10. East 71st St and S Mingo Rd in Tulsa
This intersection is considered the second-most dangerous in Tulsa. From the nearby mall, Union School traffic, and hospitals, this busy intersection has an accident every few days. Of those accidents, police handled 94 of them in 2015.
What do you think? Do you agree with this list? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if you know of any other places in Oklahoma that should be avoided, feel free to share those with us as well.
The spots listed above might be among the most dangerous places in Oklahoma, but they’re not the only risks residents face. There are a few others, and to prove it, here are the biggest risks of living in Oklahoma.
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