Safety campaign launches new seat belt PSA to reduce accident fatalities

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Commission convened on February 3, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and ongoing challenges related to transportation safety and infrastructure maintenance.

The meeting opened with a presentation of a new public service announcement (PSA) aimed at promoting seat belt use. The PSA, which debuted on February 10, emphasizes the importance of buckling up and avoiding distractions while driving. The director highlighted the ongoing issue of traffic accidents, noting that many fatalities could be prevented if more individuals wore seat belts. The PSA features a powerful message, reminding viewers that "sometimes it's the little things we do that bring us back home." The director expressed gratitude to Anthony Delse for his involvement in the campaign and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the AOGC and Bobby Sim in promoting safety, particularly in construction zones.

Following the safety campaign discussion, a commissioner raised concerns regarding damages under bridges related to the homeless community. The director responded by detailing the various challenges ODOT faces, including cleanup and minor damages that occur regularly. He noted that this was the second round of repairs needed for a specific structure due to these issues. The conversation touched on the concept of "hostile architecture," which aims to deter occupancy under bridges, as the director emphasized that such areas are unsuitable for habitation.

The director assured the commission that ODOT is committed to protecting infrastructure while also seeking to partner with communities to address the challenges posed by homelessness. He acknowledged that while minor repairs are frequent, significant damage is less common. Any substantial issues would require approval from the commission for necessary repairs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored ODOT's ongoing commitment to enhancing roadway safety through public awareness campaigns and addressing infrastructure challenges while navigating the complexities of community needs. The commission remains focused on ensuring safe transportation for all Oklahomans.