Oklahoma City, OK – A potentially deadly situation unfolded earlier this month on the Will Rogers Turnpike when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle whose driver had apparently fallen asleep while driving at highway speeds.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident happened around noon on Saturday, December 13, after the Northeast Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a newer-model Kia traveling unusually slowly in the right lane of the Will Rogers Turnpike in northeast Oklahoma. Callers said the driver appeared slumped over in the seat.
Lieutenant Brian McSlarrow located the vehicle traveling at about 40 miles per hour. While the car remained in its lane, it drifted repeatedly from lane line to lane line. Lt. McSlarrow confirmed the driver was slumped over and could not immediately determine whether the situation involved fatigue or a medical emergency.
After activating emergency lights and sirens and attempting several times to alert the driver, Lt. McSlarrow ultimately performed a tactical vehicle intervention to safely bring the car to a stop, preventing what troopers said could have resulted in a serious crash.
Troopers later learned the driver had worked nearly 20 hours within a 24-hour period. After stopping to eat, he began driving home with the vehicle’s lane-assist system activated. While cruise control was not believed to be engaged, troopers said the lane-assist technology likely kept the vehicle traveling steadily while the driver slept.
The driver’s wife was contacted to safely transport him home. He was issued a citation for inattention.
OHP emphasized that driving while fatigued is extremely dangerous and can be just as deadly as driving intoxicated, noting troopers routinely respond to serious and fatal crashes involving drowsy drivers.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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