Why Bartlesville police are increasing patrols on Highway 75

Injury crashes are on the rise along a busy stretch of U.S. Highway 75, and Bartlesville police say increased patrols are now underway to help curb the trend.

From key intersections to driver behavior, here’s a breakdown of what’s behind the heightened enforcement.

The Numbers Behind the Patrol Surge

80 crashes reported last year, 7 with injuries

Between January and May 2024, police recorded 80 accidents on the highway. Seven of those involved injuries.

Injury accidents more than doubled in 2025

This year, the total number of crashes dropped, but injury-related incidents more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Police say that disparity is especially concerning.

3 major intersections on the watch list

Bartlesville police say these intersections are among the highest-risk zones:

1. Highway 75 & Frank Phillips Boulevard
2. Highway 75 & Nowata Road
3. Highway 75 & Tuxedo Boulevard

What’s Fueling the Increase?

Lieutenant Chris Neal with the Bartlesville Police Department points to several likely factors.

“This is most likely due to speed and red lights,” Neal said. “If your injury accidents are increasing and your total accidents are going down, it’s probably speed playing a factor in this.”

Neal also emphasized the growing role of distracted driving.

“We’ll be looking for red light violations, speed. Distracted driving is a very big thing nowadays. I don’t think it’s a generational thing anymore — everybody has a cell phone and it can really take your attention away from what you’re doing.”

What Drivers Should Know

1. Patrols are increasing immediately and will continue “for the foreseeable future,” according to police.
2. Officers will focus their efforts around high-traffic intersections and busy hours, especially heading into holiday weekends.
3. Drivers are reminded to wear seatbelts — a step police say can save lives in the event of a crash.

What’s Next?

Bartlesville police say they’ll continue analyzing traffic patterns and adjusting patrols as needed. Community members are encouraged to report dangerous driving and stay alert on the roads.