Nov 07, 2024

Two sleeping drivers in Kan. during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Posted Nov 07, 2024 5:55 PM
Driving Drowsy Prevention Week November 3–9, 2024
Driving Drowsy Prevention Week November 3–9, 2024

TOPEKA —It’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, according to National Sleep Foundation. So far this week, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported two accidents where the driver fell asleep.

Just after 3:30a.m. Wednesday in Rawlins County, a 2007 Saturn Vue driven by Lawrence Stephen Longwolf, 25, Vacaville, California, was northbound on Kansas 25 approximately eight miles south of U.S. 36

The driver fell asleep and woke up as the SUV was leaving the roadway to the east. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle crossed the southbound lane, entered the west ditch sideways and rolled.

EMS transported a passenger Kylie R.  Cisco, 23, Anadarko, Oklahoma, to the Rawlins County Hospital.  Longwolf and a 1-year-old passenger were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, a 2006 Honda Accord driven by  Jimi Wayne  Hill, 26, Timken, was southbound on U.S. 183 at South County Line Road.

The driver fell asleep. The car traveled off the road to the west and the driver overcorrected. The Honda then crossed U.S. 183 to the east and struck a utility pole.

EMS transported Hill to Hays Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

The Kansas Turnpike Safety Assist, sponsored by Geico reminds motorists to be fully awake when behind the wheel. "Ensure a better night’s sleep by a relaxing wind-down and putting your devices away an hour before bed."