Major Crash on Tomei Expressway: Driver Fatigue Suspected

A driver’s apparent lapse in attention led to a dramatic single-vehicle crash on the Tomei Expressway near the Yokohama-Machida Interchange on January 24, 2026, according to footage released by NEXCO Central Japan’s Tokyo branch. The incident, captured on highway surveillance cameras, shows a passenger vehicle colliding with a crash cushion at a highway exit.

The video, posted to social media with the hashtag #STOPsleepydriving, depicts the vehicle traveling in the first lane of the three-lane highway. As it approaches the Yokohama-Machida Interchange, the car drifts left, crossing into the path of the exit ramp. The vehicle then strikes a yellow crash cushion positioned at the merge point with no apparent attempt to brake, according to reports. The impact sent water spraying into the air, and the vehicle rotated multiple times before coming to a stop.

NEXCO Central Japan stated that the incident underscores the dangers of drowsy driving, noting that even drivers who are not sleep-deprived can experience fatigue every two hours on long drives. The company’s social media post urged drivers to take breaks and consider a 10- to 20-minute nap with caffeine to combat drowsiness.

The crash prompted a wave of reactions online, with many users expressing shock at the severity of the incident. Comments ranged from expressions of fear to acknowledgements of the potential for fatal outcomes in similar situations. One user described the crash as “trauma-inducing,” while others emphasized the importance of pulling over when feeling tired.

The Yokohama-Machida Interchange is a major junction on the Tomei Expressway, a key artery connecting Tokyo with central Japan. The crash occurred during nighttime hours, though traffic volume was described as relatively high. The NEXCO Central Japan Tokyo branch has not released further details regarding the driver’s condition or the cause of the incident beyond attributing it to suspected drowsy driving.