In a startling incident highlighting the perils of drowsy driving, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper was forced to execute a high-risk maneuver to stop a moving vehicle whose driver had fallen asleep at the wheel. The event unfolded on the Will Rogers Turnpike in northeastern Oklahoma, serving as a critical warning for all motorists.
The Alarming Discovery on Will Rogers Turnpike
The situation began around 12:20 p.m. on December 13, when the Oklahoma Highway Patrol received multiple emergency calls. Concerned citizens reported a newer-model Kia moving unusually slowly in the right lane. The callers specifically noted that the driver appeared to be slumped over inside the car, indicating a serious problem.
Lieutenant Brian McSlarrow located the vehicle near the Vinita rest stop. He observed the Kia travelling at approximately 40 miles per hour on the turnpike. While the car remained within its lane, it was weaving back and forth in a manner that suggested the person behind the wheel was not in control. The trooper quickly confirmed the driver was indeed unconscious but could not immediately determine if the cause was extreme fatigue or a sudden medical emergency.
The Tactical Intervention to Avert Disaster
Lt. McSlarrow first attempted to get the driver's attention by activating his patrol car's emergency lights and pulling close to the Kia. When this elicited no response, the situation escalated. To prevent a potential crash, the trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) maneuver. This controlled technique involves using the patrol car to make contact with the suspect vehicle, forcing it to safely slow down and stop.
The maneuver was successful. The Kia came to a halt, and the impact jolted the driver awake. Upon questioning, the man revealed he had worked nearly 20 hours within a 24-hour period. He stated he had recently left work, stopped for a meal, and then began his drive with his car's lane assist feature activated. Investigators believe this advanced driver-assistance system is what kept the vehicle within its lane while the driver slept, though they are confident cruise control was not set.
Official Warning on the Dangers of Drowsy Driving
The driver was issued a citation, and as a safety precaution, his wife was called to take him home. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol used this frightening episode to issue a stark public reminder. In a social media post, officials stated, "Driving while sleepy is extremely dangerous and can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than driving intoxicated."
The patrol emphasised that troopers regularly respond to serious and often fatal crashes caused by fatigued drivers. This incident on the Will Rogers Turnpike serves as a crucial opportunity to underscore the very real and lethal consequences of getting behind the wheel when exhausted. Authorities urge drivers to recognise the signs of fatigue and to always pull over to rest before continuing a journey.
