OKC recognizes World Day of Remembrance for Road and Traffic Victims
Published on November 10, 2026
About 100 people are killed each year in crashes on streets and highways within the Oklahoma City limits. Pedestrians and cyclists account for roughly 30 of those lives lost annually.
To honor those victims and acknowledge the families affected by traffic fatalities, Oklahoma City will recognize the World Day of Remembrance for Road and Traffic Victims by lighting the SkyDance Bridge yellow and orange on November 15.
The colors symbolize a candle flame, a gesture of remembrance for the lost lives.
Most fatal crashes in Oklahoma City are preventable deaths. The top five causes in OKC include speeding, impaired driving, roadway departure, failure to keep to the right, and conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.
“Each crash represents a family or life that has been forever changed,” Oklahoma City Police Capt. Bryan Taylor said. “These aren’t just statistics, they’re neighbors, friends and loved ones. We can all contribute to making the streets of Oklahoma City safer by slowing down, driving defensively, following the traffic laws, and being aware of our surroundings. Have a designated driver or use a ride share to avoid drinking and driving, wear bright colored or reflective clothing while walking or riding at night, and encourage your children not to play in the street.”
Oklahoma City’s Vision Zero plan is an action plan designed to reduce fatal crashes, improve roadway safety and create a safer transportation system throughout Oklahoma City’s 621 square miles.
“Every person matters and every fatality is one too many. Vision Zero reflects our shared responsibility to protect one another, challenge unsafe conditions, and build a culture where safety is embedded in every decision we make.” Transportation Planner Sasha McCrone said. “Vision Zero is about designing safer streets and ensuring that everyone in Oklahoma City can move through our community safely."
Investments OKC is making in safer streets
In December 2025, Oklahoma City was awarded $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to improve roadway safety. Once received, the funds will support street improvements, expand traffic calming programs and help develop an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.
The grant will also fund safety upgrades citywide, including high visibility crosswalks, enhanced street lighting and retroreflective backplates on traffic signals to improve visibility at night.
Through MAPS 4, the City is investing $96.5 million in sidewalks, bike lanes, streetlights, and trail connections to Lake Draper and the Oklahoma River.
In addition, $1.35 billion in bond funding, approved by voters in 2025, is being invested over the next decade in arterial and residential street resurfacing, roadway widenings, corridor enhancements and new sidewalks, all aimed at creating safer, more connected neighborhoods.
“We appreciate the voters approving the latest bond program for the investment in the future of our community, Oklahoma City Director of Public Works Debbie Miller said. It will allow us to address critical infrastructure needs, improve roadways and intersections, and implement essential traffic safety improvements. These projects will help create safer, more efficient travel for residents, families and visitors while building a stronger foundation for our community’s continued growth.”