Oklahoma: The Land of Fewer Train Dodging Games Than You Think (But Maybe Not Much Fewer)
Ah, Oklahoma. Land of wind, wheat fields, and...well, a whole lotta railroad tracks, apparently. If you're planning a road trip through the Sooner State, you might be wondering just how many times you'll be waiting impatiently for a train to rumble by. Buckle up, pardner, because we're about to dive down a rabbit hole of railroad crossings!
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| How Many Railroad Crossings Are In Oklahoma |
The Great Oklahoma Railroad Crossing Count: A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma
The exact number of railroad crossings in Oklahoma is a bit of a mystery, shrouded in more suspense than a cattle drive at high noon. Here's what we do know:
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
- It's a lot: We're talking thousands (emphasis on the thousands) of crossings. ODOT, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, estimates there are over 3,700 public at-grade crossings crisscrossing the state. That's a whole lotta stop signs and flashing lights!
- Not all crossings are created equal: There are probably some dirt roads out there with a single, rusty track crossing them, while others might be major intersections with bells and whistles (literally, some crossings have bells!).
So, How Many Crossings Will You Actually Hit on Your Trip?
The real answer? It depends on where you're going! Oklahoma City and Tulsa likely have more crossings than, say, a remote cattle ranch (although, you might get stuck behind a herd of cows there instead).
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Here's a handy guessing game:
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
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- Sticking to the interstates? You'll probably hit a decent number, but not enough to make you feel like you're living in a game of Frogger.
- Cruising the backroads? Crossings might be less frequent, but enjoy the scenery! Just be sure to keep an eye out for those rusty tracks.
Pro-Tip: If you're really worried about avoiding train delays, use a mapping app with a traffic overlay that shows railroad crossings. They can be lifesavers (or at least trip-savers).
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
FAQ: How to Deal Like a Champ with Oklahoma Railroad Crossings
- How to: Be patient. Trains are big and they take time to get moving.
- How to not: Don't try to outrun a train. Seems obvious, but Darwinism is a real thing, folks.
- How to: Turn off the dang music and roll down your windows! Trains are loud, and sometimes those horns are the only warning you'll get.
- How to: Obey all the crossing signals. Flashing lights and lowered gates mean STOP! No exceptions!
- How to: If you get stuck on the tracks, GET OUT OF THE CAR and move away from the crossing in the direction away from the oncoming train. Call 911 immediately!
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in Oklahoma railroad crossings. Remember, a little patience and some good ol' fashioned road trip tunes can make those waiting times fly by. Now get out there and explore the Sooner State, just be sure to watch out for those trains!
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