Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash Near Henryetta Claims Lives of Two Dustin Residents

safety-tips-while-driving

Two Dustin residents lost their lives in a tragic two-vehicle crash on Saturday morning. The incident occurred on OK 124, approximately four miles south of Henryetta.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Collin Anderson from the Okfuskee County detachment of Troop D reported that Michael Lang, 67, was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The Impala collided with a 2013 Kia driven by 35-year-old Kylie Pickett, also from Dustin.

In the aftermath of the collision, two passengers in the Impala sustained injuries. Thomas Lewis, 68, from Okmulgee, was transported to Hillcrest Henryetta and is in stable condition. Sheila Lang, 60, from Pueblo, Colorado, was taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Tulsa for treatment of internal and other injuries. Investigation is still on-going

Here Are some important safety tips while driving.

  1. Wear Seatbelts: Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt at all times. 

  2. Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road by avoiding distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting music while driving.

  3. Obey Speed Limits: Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions.

  4. Maintain Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for sudden stops.

  5. Use Turn Signals: Signal your intentions early when changing lanes or making turns.

  6. Be Mindful of Blind Spots: Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

  7. Drive Defensively: Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react.

  8. Adapt to Weather Conditions: Adjust your driving behavior during adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow.

  9. Avoid Fatigue: Ensure you are well-rested before driving to maintain alertness.

  10. Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly check and maintain your vehicle to ensure it is in safe working condition.

  11. Drinking while driving : DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

The largest reason for traffic accidents in United States are:

  • Distracted Driving. One of the top causes of car accidents is distracted driving, “your life is worth more than your cell phone”. Every day, approximately eight fatalities in the United States are linked to crashes involving a distracted driver, with over 3,100 lives lost and 324,000 people injured in 2020.
  • Drunk Driving. Every day, approximately 37 people in the United States lose their lives in drunk-driving crashes, which equates to one person every 39 minutes. In 2022 alone, 13,524 individuals died in alcohol-impaired driving incidents. These tragic deaths were entirely preventable.
     

Following these tips can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and promote safer driving habits.