Friday, November 16, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office have teamed up to address Oklahoma’s uninsured driver problem. Law enforcement officers from both agencies will work together to operate driver safety checkpoints in Tulsa County.
“Our Anti-Fraud Unit is excited to work with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and continue our efforts to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on Oklahoma roadways,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “One out of every four drivers in Oklahoma does not have the minimum liability coverage that’s required by state law. That is one reason we have some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country."
The first safety checkpoint is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
“I’m pleased that Commissioner Doak and I could come together in an attempt to increase traffic enforcement efforts and reduce the number of uninsured motorists operating on our streets and highways within Tulsa County,” said Tulsa Sheriff Stanley Glanz. “While insurance premiums continue to rise and the Legislature continues to enhance the criminal penalties for uninsured motorists, it only seems appropriate that as a law enforcement agency, we do what we can to protect the law abiding motorist.”
The OID is also working with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to combat the issue. On Thanksgiving, Commissioner Doak and several members of the Anti-Fraud Unit will conduct ride-alongs with OHP troopers.
“We need to raise awareness about the seriousness of this problem,” said Doak. “It also helps to see the problem firsthand and realize what law enforcement officers and citizens are dealing with.”
The OHP also took part in an OID public service announcement targeting uninsured drivers. It can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htn_VkctY1c&feature=plcp.
For more information contact:
Kelly Collins
Public Information Manager
405-522-0683
kelly.collins@oid.ok.gov
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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