(COLO) – The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the cause of a tanker spill that shut down I-25 between exit 255 and exit 257 for more than 36 hours this weekend. The tanker was headed northbound on I-25 when it rolled over at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 20, 2021. During the rollover, approximately 11,500 – 11,700 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from its load.
The area of the crash is undergoing construction with traffic reconfiguration. Sign boards and a regulated reduced speed were in effect. At this time, driver fatigue is being considered the primary factor for the tanker. Drugs and alcohol, excessive speed, and mechanical defect are not suspected as contributing factors. The crash remains under investigation.
“The danger of drowsy driving is that it makes the operator less able to pay attention to the road and it slows a person’s reaction time if they have to brake or steer suddenly,” stated Captain Mark Bonfield, Colorado State Patrol. “Driving while fatigued is comparable to drunk driving. And, falling asleep is the worst scenario that often leads to large-scale or tragic consequences.”
The driver of the tanker was identified as 67-year old John Brothersen of Henderson, CO. Mr. Brothersen was the sole occupant of the tanker and was transported to a nearby hospital with moderate injuries. Mr. Bothersen was wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash. He was issued a citation for careless driving. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Commercial drivers are often impacted with fatigue as part of their trade, but all drivers can experience drowsiness behind the wheel. The Colorado State Patrol is encouraging all motorists to know the warning signs that you are too sleepy to operate a vehicle:
- Yawning or blinking frequently.
- Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.
- Missing your exit.
- Drifting from your lane.
- Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.
If you or the driver of a vehicle you are riding in has any of these warning signs, pull over to rest or change drivers.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.