Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Kerala Driver Falls Asleep on Busy Road, Causing Traffic Jam
A driver stopped his car in the middle of a busy road in Kerala.
He then fell asleep inside the car.
Because the car was blocking the road, many vehicles became stuck.
People nearby first worried that he might be having a medical emergency.
They knocked on the window and shook the car to wake him.
The driver eventually woke up and seemed confused.
One report said alcohol bottles and soda were found in the car.
Police reportedly took the driver and car into custody.
Some people criticised him, while others said stopping to sleep was safer than continuing to drive while tired.
A young driver reportedly stopped a red car in an active lane at Athirampuzha Palli Junction in Kottayam, Kerala.
The incident occurred on the Athirampuzha-Ettumanoor Road during Wednesday evening rush hour, according to one report.
The stationary vehicle blocked traffic and caused a significant jam as motorists struggled to pass.
Commuters and residents tried repeatedly to wake the sleeping driver, who eventually awoke looking confused.
Police reportedly found alcohol bottles and soda in the car, took the driver and vehicle into custody, and registered a case alleging drunk driving and traffic obstruction.
- Who
- A driver identified by local reports as Jobin Johny, along with commuters, residents, and police.
- What
- A driver reportedly fell asleep in a car stopped in an active lane, causing a traffic jam and a police case alleging drunk driving and traffic obstruction.
- When
- Wednesday, August 19, during the evening rush hour, according to one report.
- Where
- Athirampuzha Palli Junction on the Athirampuzha-Ettumanoor Road in Kottayam, Kerala.
- Why
- Reports said the driver was tired after driving and stopped for a nap; police reportedly alleged alcohol-related impaired driving after finding alcohol bottles in the vehicle.
Safety Concerns
More Sympathetic View
Appropriate response to the incident
Safety Concerns
Some social-media users criticised the driver and called for the strictest possible action, saying behaviour like this contributes to accidents.
More Sympathetic View
Other users said stopping to sleep was safer than continuing to drive while tired and potentially causing an accident.
Possible reason for the driver’s condition
Safety Concerns
Police reportedly found alcohol bottles and soda in the vehicle and registered a case alleging that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
More Sympathetic View
Other reports said the driver was tired after driving and stopped before falling asleep; the articles do not independently establish whether he was intoxicated.
Interpreting the apparent sleep
Safety Concerns
Some locals initially feared a medical emergency because the driver did not respond when they tried to wake him.
More Sympathetic View
The reports describe the episode as an unexpected nap, while one social-media commenter said a possible emergency should not be ruled out.
- Location
- Athirampuzha Palli Junction, Kottayam, Kerala
- Road
- Athirampuzha-Ettumanoor Road
- Timing
- Wednesday, August 19, during evening rush hour, according to one report
- Traffic impact
- The car blocked an active lane and caused a significant traffic jam
- Public response
- Locals and commuters knocked on the car and shook it repeatedly to wake the driver
- Police action
- Police reportedly took the driver and vehicle into custody
- Legal case
- A case was reportedly registered alleging driving under the influence of alcohol and obstructing traffic
