Calls to lower speed limit on Highway 9 following deadly crashes
TECUMSEH, Okla. (KFOR) — An Oklahoma highway with a deadly reputation has families calling for change. Highway 9 has been the site of several deadly wrecks over the years, and the speed limit is comparable to one of the busiest interstates in the metro.
"After the fatality accident that happened just the other day involving that lady and that young man? I definitely think that something needs to change," said Liberty Sandman, concerned about speed limit.
That crash happened a half mile from where Liberty Sandman lives west of Tecumseh. Two people died in that crash.
In November, a wreck near Skagg road also took two lives.
"My concern is the safety of mostly distracted individuals. You know, you get a lot of people that just aren't paying attention to their driving. It's dangerous," said Sandman.
Sandman also said she's had some close calls.
"I was driving and this man just, he's full on coming into my lane. He's already hit the rumble strips in on the yellow line and everything, and I'm moving over and honking my horn to get his attention," said Sandman.
The speed limit on Highway 9 is 65 mph, and Sandman wants to see it lowered.
"It's not going to get any better unless the speed limit is lowered. I would like it to to be 55," said Sandman.
55 mph is the speed limit on a nearby highway.
"I think that would be an appropriate speed for such a hilly and not very well maintained type of highway. I think that Highway 9 should look at what they did with Highway 102 and probably go that route," said Sandman.
So, Sandman called News 4 for help.
"My first step was to call News 4 and see about getting you guys, you know, to help me with this because I have no idea what I'm doing," said Sandman.
We reached out to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. They told us they have an 8-year road construction plan for the state and this area of Highway 9 is included in that.
At this time, they have not commented on lowering the speed limit.