Holiday Travel Brings Increase In Deadly Accidents

Now that Christmas is over, holiday travelers are expected back on the roads.

And with more drivers, more accidents are likely.

In the metro and across the state, serious accidents have been almost a daily occurrence.

Christmas Eve, three people were killed in a head-on collision on 120th and Highway 9 in Norman.

Christmas Night, one person was killed on SW 134th & Highway 4 in Oklahoma City.

Both accidents are in addition to three other fatal crashes around the state.

In total, claiming the lives of seven people in four days.

"I'd like to report an emergency uh there's a two car collision," said the 911 caller.

The night before Christmas Eve a head on collision in Purcell injured five. In one vehicle was a family of four.

"Are you still close to area where it occurred? I'm right where it occurred ma'am," said the 911 caller.

The voice on that initial 911 call was Timothy Reed. He was one of the first to see the accident.

"I was hitting debris, my truck was swerving all over the road and as soon as I got through it I slammed on my breaks and made a U-turn," said Timothy Reed, a witness to the accident.

Reed then ran to aid the family in the Jeep, while others ran to help the driver of the Chevy Impala.

"It was a little bit traumatic I mean I've got a new respect for the roads and speed limits and I mean it was just a tough thing to see," said Reed.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the driver of the Jeep crossed the center line and struck the Impala.

“We hate seeing anything like this," said Sgt. Gary Knight with Oklahoma City Police.

Law enforcement offer the same driving tips all year around, but especially now.

"Just slow down, don't be distracted when you're driving and drive sober," said Sgt. Knight.

Reed said with his new respect for the road he will take those tips to heart.

"If you pull up on something like that it changes your thoughts about some things,” said Reed.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also reports of those five individuals involved in Purcell, three remain in the hospital, and two have been released.