Drowsy Driving Drama: How a Sleepy Motorist Took a Nap on the Turnpike

Last month, an incident on the Will Rogers Turnpike turned out to be a real eye-opener, but not for one driver who, quite literally, fell asleep at the wheel. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol released footage of the scenario, showing a newer-model Kia cruising at 40 miles per hour with its driver slumped over. Calls flooded in from concerned citizens who spotted the drifting vehicle, highlighting just how risky drowsy driving can be.

As Lieutenant Brian McSlarrow arrived on the scene, his attempts to rouse the unresponsive driver included using a patrol unit alongside the Kia with sirens blaring. But the guy was completely out cold! It took McSlarrow’s swift tactical vehicle intervention to safely bring the car to a halt—thank goodness for that, as the situation had the potential for a serious crash.

When troopers finally spoke to the driver, it was revealed he had been working for nearly 20 hours straight. While the advanced lane assist system kept the car on track, he certainly wasn’t winning any awards for road safety. Once his wife picked him up, he received a citation for his inattentiveness. The Highway Patrol’s message is clear: drowsy driving is a risk that can have dire consequences, often just as perilous as driving drunk.

In a world where we juggle insane work hours and endless to-do lists, let this be a reminder to prioritize rest behind the wheel. No one wants to be the ‘Driving Zzz’s’ headline for the day!