Watch lorry swerving on M18 in South Yorkshire as driver falls asleep

Footage shows a lorry swerving on the M18 in South Yorkshire as the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

South Yorkshire Police says roads policing officers took to the motorway network in an unmarked HGV cab to enforce against drivers who pose a risk to themselves and innocent road users.

The force says, while on patrol, officers’ attention was drawn to a HGV on the M18 due to its manner of driving. The vehicle was swerving in the lane and crossing the white line into other lanes.

Officers were following the driver in the unmarked HGV, and requested roads policing officers to assist and stop the driver, but as the driver fell asleep behind the wheel, they had to intercept for everyone’s safety. The driver was also not wearing a seatbelt.

The force says the driver has been processed for the offences.

South Yorkshire Police wrote: “There were multiple cans of energy drinks that the driver had been using to overcome his tiredness - this is not safe.

“Driving any vehicle is a great responsibility, and you must ensure you as a driver are fit and your vehicle is in a good, maintained condition for the roads.

“These operations are not about targeting those who use the road network for work, or those in bigger vehicles, they are about saving lives, and it cannot be shied away from that vehicles of a larger size and weight can have devastating consequences.

“Roads policing officers see the aftermath collisions cause, and are the ones delivering the news to families and friends. People think it won’t happen to them, but it can happen to anyone. Please do your part. Help us spread the word, talk about road safety, raise awareness.”