A California Highway Patrol officer responded Thursday to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99 near Winton Parkway after one of the drivers said they were feeling sleepy, authorities said.

The CHP warned that driving while fatigued is dangerous, noting that tired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced focus and impaired decision-making.

During the holiday season, the agency urged motorists who begin to feel sleepy to pull over rather than push through, reminding drivers that California has rest areas where short breaks or naps can help prevent crashes.

Authorities emphasized that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly.

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