Pasco police assisted the Washington State Patrol Thursday morning with a terrifying crash that could have been a lot worse.

Police said Friday the reason for the crash, the driver of the car fell asleep at the wheel. They were headed east on I-182, when the drowsy driver drifted to the side of the road, slamming into a semi that was being worked on by a Les Schwab tire employee!

Safety triangles had been placed and flashing lights were on, but the sleeping driver didn't see any of them. Their car struck the trailer, just missing the worker by a few feet. They'd been changing a flat tire on the rig.

The car was torn apart, as seen in these photos but the drive was largely OK because they were wearing their seat belt.

Authorities remind drivers, getting behind the wheel when you're exhausted is just as dangerous as impaired driving from drugs, alcohol or pot. The effects on the body and reflexes are about the same--except with fatigue,  you can fall asleep.

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