The occupants of a car that went an estimated 300 to 400 feet off Wolf Creek Pass after the driver fell asleep are expected to survive – thanks to seat belts.

Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Blake White said authorities received a report of the crash around 3:45 a.m. Saturday, near mile marker 162 on U.S. Highway 160, near the hairpin turn on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass.

White said the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg, a small-sized SUV, headed west went about 300 to 400 feet off the edge of the highway. Authorities determined the driver, 49-year-old Richard Coy, had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Coy suffered moderate injuries. A passenger, Courtney Delgado, 41, suffered serious injuries. Both were transported to a hospital, White said. He did not immediately know where Coy and Delgado were from.

Colorado State Patrol posted to social media that the couple’s injuries could have been far worse.

“Please use caution, and this should be a reminder to not drive while sleepy,” the post reads. “Thankfully, the occupants were wearing seat belts, which most certainly saved their lives.”

White said Coy was ticketed for careless driving.

jromeo@durangoherald.com