Oklahoma – Last month, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol released footage showing the safe stop of a driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel on the Will Rogers Turnpike.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, around noon, the Northeast Communications Center received multiple calls about a newer-model Kia moving slowly in the right lane, with the driver reportedly slumped over. Lieutenant Brian McSlarrow located the vehicle traveling about 40 miles per hour and observed it drifting within its lane.
Troopers attempted several methods to get the driver’s attention, including positioning a patrol unit alongside the vehicle and using the siren, but the driver remained unresponsive. Lt. McSlarrow performed a tactical vehicle intervention to safely bring the car to a stop, preventing a potential crash.
After speaking with the driver, troopers learned he had worked nearly 20 hours in a 24-hour period and fell asleep while driving home. The vehicle’s lane assist system kept it in its lane while the driver slept. Troopers contacted the driver’s wife to transport him home, and he was issued a citation for inattention.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials emphasized that driving while drowsy can be as dangerous—or even more dangerous—than driving intoxicated and urged drivers to recognize the serious risks of fatigue behind the wheel.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol releases footage of drowsy driver stopped on Will Rogers Turnpike last month
