Driver in Hunan Falls Asleep Using ADAS, Crashes into Guardrail

On January 1, a traffic accident occurred at the 35-kilometer mark of the Hengyang-Shaoyang Expressway. A car crashed into the guardrail, sustaining severe damage, though fortunately no injuries were reported. According to an investigation by Hunan Provincial Highway Traffic Police, the driver, surnamed Zou, fell asleep while traveling from Shaoyang to Hengyang after activating his vehicle’s driver-assistance system. The car continued driving unattended for over 20 kilometers before losing control and colliding with the barrier. Officers reprimanded and educated Zou, and imposed legal penalties accordingly. Traffic police reminded drivers that driver-assistance systems are merely auxiliary tools and cannot replace manual operation. Even when such features are engaged, drivers must remain attentive to road conditions and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any moment. Additionally, drivers on long journeys should stop at service areas every two hours to rest and avoid fatigue-related driving to ensure safety.