Drowsy driver crashes into Twiggs County patrol vehicle off I-16

The sheriff’s office says the crash could have been much worse and urges drivers to take drowsy driving seriously.

JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A drowsy driver crashed into a Twiggs County patrol vehicle late Wednesday night after failing to stop at a sign off I-16, according to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash happened just after 11 p.m., when a patrol deputy was driving along Highway 96 toward Jeffersonville. A GMC Yukon exited westbound I-16 at Exit 24, ran the stop sign and slammed into the deputy’s Ford F-150, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.

The sheriff’s office said the male driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and was unaware of his surroundings at the time of the crash.

The patrol deputy was not injured. The driver and a female passenger in the Yukon were taken to the hospital with minor complaints, according to the post.

“We are very thankful that there were no serious injuries, or even worse,” the sheriff’s office said.

In the post, the agency urged drivers to pull off the road if they feel tired and allow a licensed passenger to drive, warning that drowsy driving can impair judgment and increase crash risk.

“Drowsy driving is very serious and can lead to impaired judgment and increased risk of crashing, as in this case,” the post said. “It is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

The sheriff’s office cited data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association showing 633 people died in drowsy driving crashes in 2023.

“If you ever see anyone falling asleep at the wheel, please call 911,” the post said. “We always encourage motorists, ‘if you see something, say something.’ It may save an accident or even lives.”