Calling it the #225 most congested city is a little ironic. Tulsa residents often call the traffic “nonexistent” compared to larger cities around the country.

Regardless of rank, the experts at

Jerry

are here to share the local secrets of avoiding the occasional traffic jam. While you’re here, we’ll even give you some tips on finding an affordable

car insurance

policy—specifically designed for Tulsa drivers!

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How bad is Tulsa traffic?

According to the

INRIX 2021 Traffic Scorecard Report

, Tulsa drivers lose very little time and money to traffic congestion. Let’s look at the numbers.

Tulsa is the #225 most congested city in the US and drivers only lose about four hours per year to traffic backups. When the residents say traffic is nonexistent, they mean it.

However, keep in mind, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many regular commuters to work remotely. That means you can expect traffic patterns to increase slightly if working standards return to pre-pandemic levels.

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Oklahoma car insurance laws

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Why is Tulsa traffic so bad?

As we’ve covered, traffic in Tulsa is relatively infrequent and minor. That doesn’t mean jams don’t happen, and it certainly doesn’t mean traffic isn’t frustrating wherever you are. In the off-chance you encounter a backup, here are some potential reasons why.

Construction

There’s little to complain about when it comes to Tulsa traffic, but locals have one common gripe: Tulsa’s road construction crew is not very timely with their projects. It always seems like over a dozen construction projects are happening at any given moment, and none of them are making any progress.

To help you avoid construction areas, you can check the online

traffic report

provided by 102.3 KRMG.

Evening Commute

A large percentage of employment in Tusla is fulfilled by commuters coming into town from nearby suburbs including Broken Arrow, Owasso, Sapulpa, and Sand Springs. Therefore, getting out of town at the end of the day increases your chances of encountering traffic congestion. Tulsa traffic peaks between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. during the week.

Major chokepoints

Outside of standard commuting times, you don’t need to expect to hit any delays in Tulsa. Like any area, there are still points of congestion to be aware of if you want to traverse the streets in record time.

Here are some common traffic chokepoints that can get backed up:

S Cincinnati Ave

E 4th St

E 2nd St

Archer St

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

N Greenwood Ave

E 1st St

MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances

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How to navigate Tulsa traffic like a pro

It’s hard to shave down Tulsa’s already low traffic rates, but we’re up for the challenge! Here are some tips for navigating traffic:

Stay up to date on backups.

102.3 KRMG

offers a great online resource for tracking traffic incidents and construction progress. Google Maps also provides real-time updates for any obstacles along your route.

Avoid peak traffic times. As mentioned, peak times for potential traffic are from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. during weekdays. Bumping your commute home to 6:00 p.m. can help you avoid traffic altogether.

Stay alert and focused. Just because you’re waiting in traffic doesn’t mean it’s time to pick up your phone.

Distracted driving

is unsafe, and it can cost you a hefty fine if you get a traffic ticket.

MORE:

The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

Prepare for Tulsa traffic by updating your car insurance

Due to the infrequency of traffic backups in Tulsa, there is a relatively lower risk of being involved in a car accident. When an anomaly strikes, you’ll want to be covered with a proper

car insurance

policy.

If the thought of browsing endlessly for the right policy makes your eyes gloss over, we’ve got just the solution for you!

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FAQs

Is Tulsa hard to drive in?

For a city of roughly 400,000, Tulsa is surprisingly easy to drive in. It’s pretty rare to encounter high congestion levels on the roads and highways.

What is the best time to drive through Tulsa?

You should be practically free of traffic as long as you avoid the window between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. during the week. Even during those commuting times, it usually takes an extraneous circumstance to cause a backup of substance.

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