Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Fatal Pedestrian Crash Highlights Safety Concerns In Tulsa

A deadly pedestrian accident in Tulsa has drawn attention to the risks faced by walkers and cyclists in parts of the city lacking proper infrastructure.

74-Year-Old Killed in Collision with SUV

Tulsa Police confirmed that 74-year-old Charles Marshall was struck and killed by an SUV late Tuesday evening while traveling in an electric wheelchair on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near 36th Street North.

According to investigators, Marshall was traveling south in the northbound lane when the vehicle collided with him. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities.

While the area lacks sidewalks, Marshall was reportedly following state law, which requires pedestrians to walk on the left side of the road to face oncoming traffic. Police noted that Marshall was taking appropriate precautions given the conditions.

Family Shares Insight into Marshall’s Route

Marshall’s family told police he regularly used the route to visit a nearby casino.

They pointed out the absence of sidewalks in the area, which contributes to how difficult it is to travel down the road on foot.

Safety Concerns in High-Risk Areas

Lieutenant Stephen Florea of the Tulsa Police Department commented on the hazardous conditions, saying the area has no sidewalks, is poorly lit, and lacks proper development along both sides of the road.

He also said that pedestrian-involved fatal crashes happen frequently in Tulsa.

“It's a four-lane road, it’s not well-developed on both sides, there’s no street lighting,” said Lt. Florea. “Pedestrian-involved fatal crashes are unfortunately not uncommon in our city.”

This year alone, six of the 17 fatal crashes in the area involved pedestrians, according to police reports.

Ongoing Efforts to Improve Safety

Florea, who serves on a safety committee, explained that recommendations for improving pedestrian safety are already underway.

These suggestions include adding crosswalks, sidewalks, and better signage to increase visibility.

Thomas Dow, a representative from INCOG, a regional planning agency focused on safety, echoed these efforts.

Dow explained that INCOG is analyzing crash data to identify high-risk areas and develop strategies aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries.

“We’re drawing conclusions about crash types, where they’re happening, and putting together strategies to minimize fatalities and serious injuries on our streets,” Dow said.

Community Feedback and Future Plans

As part of its ongoing efforts, INCOG is updating its action plans and seeking community input on the priority areas for safety improvements.

Meanwhile, the City of Tulsa has announced plans to conduct a traffic assessment at the crash site to evaluate potential improvements, although the process could take some time.

One of INCOG’s key recommendations for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety includes building more sidewalks and creating buffer zones between sidewalks and roadways.

Currently, fewer than 2% of Tulsa residents walk to work, with most walking activity occurring for recreational purposes rather than as a means of transportation.