How Bad Is Oklahoma City Traffic?
Oklahoma is the 110th worst city in the U.S. for traffic, with the average driver losing 55 hours a year sitting in rush hour.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Oklahoma City drivers lose an average of 55 hours to traffic a year, making it the 110th most congested city in the United States.
As the capital of
Oklahoma
, Oklahoma City is not only the largest city in the state but also the 22nd-largest city in the U.S. in terms of population. With its many residents and thriving industries, it’s no surprise that driving here can pose an issue. We're here to help you navigate the streets of Oklahoma City. Whether you’re looking for traffic statistics, info on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted driving trends, or tips on how to best navigate the Oklahoma streets, we’ve got your back.
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How bad is Oklahoma City traffic?
The
INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard
ranks Oklahoma City as the 110th worst city for driving in America. It is estimated that Oklahoma City drivers lose an average of 55 hours to congestion every year. While those numbers have gone down compared to years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have increased since 2020. As restrictions have eased, congestion is making a comeback.
Year | Hours lost to congestion |
|---|---|
2019 | 68 hours |
2020 | 45 hours |
2021 | 55 hours |
Why is Oklahoma City traffic so bad?
To determine where Oklahoma City traffic congestion is coming from, we have to look at the city’s population, major chokepoints, and what kinds of driving trends we see amongst its drivers.
Population size
With 1,396,445 residents in the Oklahoma City metro, it has the 22nd-largest population in the U.S. In short, Oklahoma City roads have no shortage of drivers.
Unfortunately, the more drivers there are on the road, the more accidents occur. Oklahoma County saw
18,862 accidents in 2020
. Each of those accidents came with its own set of traffic delays and jams, contributing to the congestion in Oklahoma City.Major chokepoints
Depending on which way you are traveling, you will find yourself stuck at different chokepoints in Oklahoma City. For those heading south toward downtown, you may find yourself on I-235, whereas if you’re commuting from the east or west, you’ll be on I-40. Use caution where these two interstates intersect, as it can be dangerous.
Another high-traffic spot to avoid is where I-240 and I-35 meet. Commuters and truckers abound, and there isn’t a lot of time for oncoming traffic to avoid the cars trying to exit. All of this leads to an increased amount of accidents at this junction.
Driving habits
Because the greater metropolitan area of Oklahoma City is very spread out, drivers end up commuting longer distances to get to work or school each day. The average driver in Oklahoma City drives 21 minutes to get to work.
Additionally, over 15% of people involved in car accidents in Oklahoma City in 2020 were not wearing a seatbelt. All of these factors combine to create a need to drive with caution and carefully follow safety protocols to avoid serious accidents.
MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to navigate Oklahoma City traffic like a pro
Driving through rush hour is never fun, and unfortunately, high congestion often leads to higher accident rates. This can be costly in more ways than one—from lost lives to
car repairs
, medical bills, and increased car insurance rates.To avoid taking your daily commute from frustrating to dangerous, check out these tips for navigating Oklahoma City traffic like a pro:
- Avoid driving during rush hour. Rush hour in Oklahoma City is between 7 and 9 am and 3 and 5 pm. The worst time to drive during the week is between 5 and 6 pm on Tuesday evenings. Save yourself the time—and the headache—by avoiding driving during these hours.
- Try taking the back roads. Not everyone can avoid driving during rush hour, but avoiding the major thoroughfares and taking the back roads is another simple way to save time and money on your daily commute.
- Use a traffic app. Get real-time updates on accidents, construction, and other changes in traffic patterns on a traffic app. This allows you to avoid any unexpected delays.
- Keep your focus. If despite your best efforts you still end up stuck in a traffic jam, stay safe by staying focused. Avoiding distractions like loud music, podcasts, food, or using your phone can make all the difference in getting from point A to point B safely.
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FAQs
Is Oklahoma City hard to drive in?
At the end of the day, driving in Oklahoma City is not different from driving in most other midsize cities. Prepare yourself by avoiding rush hour, using back roads, downloading a good traffic app, and staying focused while you drive. If you do, you’ll be good to go!
What is the best time to drive through Oklahoma City?
If you want to avoid heavy rush hour traffic, it’s best to drive through the city before 7 am, after 7 pm, or between 9 am and 3 pm.
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