Driving Tips and Emergencies

Lights, posture, and phones

Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time you cannot see clearly — rain, snow, fog. Low beams in fog; high beams wash out in mist. Dim high beams within 1,000 feet of oncoming traffic and 600 feet when following.

Sit so you can reach the pedals with a slight knee bend. Hands at roughly 9 and 3 (or 8 and 4). Fasten the belt before you shift. Oklahoma law restricts handheld phone use in active school zones. A phone conversation still steals attention — pull over to talk or text.

Headlights on

30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise

Dim for oncoming

1,000 feet

Dim when following

600 feet

Animals, floods, and carbon monoxide

Oklahoma deer are active at dawn and dusk, especially in October and November. If a deer is in the road, do not swerve into oncoming traffic — brake firmly and steer as straight as you can.

Do not drive into flood water. Six inches can stall a car; a foot can float it. Turn around. Carbon monoxide is colorless and deadly. Never run an engine in a closed garage. If you feel drowsy, dizzy, or get a tight forehead, get fresh air immediately.

After a crash

Stop. Move out of travel lanes if you can do so safely. Aid the injured and call 911. Exchange name, address, license, and insurance information. Notify law enforcement when there is injury, death, or significant damage. Do not leave the scene.