Oklahoma has become the first state in the nation to require a work zone safety and first responder safety course for teen drivers. The law, set to take effect Nov. 1, 2023, will require all Oklahoma teens to complete the free Oklahoma Work Zone Safe and First Responder Safety online education course before applying for their intermediate driver license.
Work Zone Safe along with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Service Oklahoma are highlighting this new law during National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 15-21. With car crashes being one of the leading causes of deaths for U.S. teenagers, it’s imperative that new drivers understand the importance of driving safely inside work zones and moving over and slowing down for first responders. In Oklahoma, 91 motorists were killed in work zone crashes on state highways and turnpikes in the past five years. There were 102 drivers under the age of 20 severely injured in work zone crashes in the past five years plus 10 young motorist fatalities in that same time frame.
“We want teenagers who are learning to drive to have the added benefit of work zone safety education before they ever encounter one for the first time behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz. “Work zones require all drivers to be very focused by putting away all distractions to ensure that they, other motorists, and our workers all stay safe. We’re proud to see Oklahoma taking the lead and the needed steps to do...
"Here is a follow-up video capturing a classic moment from the Xi-Trump summit: While Xi Jinping was away using the restroom, Trump casually glanced through a small notebook Xi had left on the tab...