Colorado State Patrol is reiterating to the public that driving when sleep deprived can have scary consequences.
CSP believes that’s what caused a vehicle to veer off U.S. Highway 550 and crash into a tree near Mile Post 29 on Saturday morning.
“If you're too tired and having a hard time keeping your eyes open and you’re driving … You should absolutely find somewhere safe to pull over and get some rest,” CSP Trooper David Sander said.
The crash happened about 15 minutes after the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic started in Durango, but it was unrelated to the race, according to CSP.
Sander, who responded to the crash, said the woman driving the vehicle fell asleep, went off the roadway and hit a tree.
He said Durango Fire Protection District personnel checked on the woman, who did not appear to have significant injuries, and she refused medical transport.
Sander said the driver was not impaired by drugs or alcohol. The driver was not charged following the crash.
He said drivers who feel weary should not drive, adding they should pull over and get some rest.
Sander said impaired driving isn’t exclusive to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Driving while exhausted or sleep deprived can lead to impaired driving, he said.
cburney@durangoherald.com
