OKLAHOMA — A potentially deadly situation on the Will Rogers Turnpike was safely resolved earlier this month after a trooper encountered a vehicle traveling with its driver asleep behind the wheel, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Authorities said that around noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, the patrol’s Northeast Communications Center received multiple calls reporting a newer-model Kia moving slowly in the right lane, with the driver appearing slumped over. Lt. Brian McSlarrow located the vehicle traveling about 40 miles per hour and drifting within its lane.

Despite activating emergency lights and sirens and attempting to get the driver’s attention, the driver did not respond. To prevent a possible crash, Lt. McSlarrow performed a tactical vehicle intervention, safely bringing the car to a stop and waking the driver.

Troopers later learned the driver had worked nearly 20 hours in a 24-hour period before driving home and had activated the vehicle’s lane-assist system, which appeared to keep the car within its lane while he slept. The driver’s wife was contacted to transport him home, and he was cited for inattention.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol emphasized that drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and can be as risky as impaired driving, noting troopers regularly respond to serious and fatal crashes involving fatigued drivers.

Source: Oklahoma Highway Patrol