Troopers To Be Out In Full Force This Holiday Weekend

Highway patrol troopers are out in full force as the Thanksgiving travel rush gets underway.

Oklahoma will be joining other highway patrol agencies across the country in the Interstate 40 Challenge.

Approximately 331 miles of I-40 runs through Oklahoma.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol last year five people were killed in five fatal crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Additionally 624 crashes occurred and more than 300 people were injured.

As part of the challenge, troopers will be assigned every 20 miles of I-40 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting Wednesday through Sunday. 

"This is probably one of the busiest highway travel seasons of the year so Oklahoma is going to be participating in the I-40 Challenge this year, which means our goal is to have zero fatalities this holiday period," Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Paul Timmons said.

Troopers are also warning drivers to expect more law enforcement on the highways throughout the state.