Safe Driving

Why Drowsy Driving Is so Dangerous

August 2, 2018 By Christopher

While drowsy driving does not get as much publicity as other unsafe driving conditions, it is a massive problem.

There are a lot of factors that go into a car crash. The most famous are alcohol, texting, and aggressive driving, but there is one reason that sometimes goes under the radar: Drowsiness. It is responsible for a shocking amount of car accidents and subsequent deaths, and it can happen to anyone. If you are ever involved in a drowsy driving accident, be sure to talk to a St. Louis car accident attorney to go over your options. Here’s what you need to know about drowsy driving.

How It Happens

Drowsiness on the road can happen due to a variety of factors. The most common ones are lack of sleep, medication, night driving, and long bouts of driving. These can present themselves in any number of ways. It can be an overnight road trip, a commute home after a long day, an early morning drive, or even a short trip to the drug store after you’ve had some cold medicine.

Why It’s Unsafe

The reason why drunk driving is so dangerous is that it decreases your alertness and compromises your decision making. Drowsy driving essentially does the same thing. It will slow your reaction time, make you pay less attention to the road, and impair your ability to make smart decisions.

The Statistics

Here is a statistic that should scare you: Around 1 in 25 drivers report having fallen asleep while driving just in the last 30 days. That is a shockingly high number on its own and is even more surprising when you read that it is in the last month only. It is also estimated that up to 72,000 crashes and 800 deaths are a result of drowsy driving every year. These numbers should convince you that this is a serious issue that deserves your attention.

Warning Signs

Some warning signs for drowsy driving include yawning, excessive blinking, missing street signs, and drifting.

Avoidance

There are two ways to avoid drowsy driving. The first is to prevent drowsiness altogether. To do this, you can make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, stay away from medication before driving, and avoid driving late at night. The second way is to be honest with yourself and think about the consequences of driving tired. Chances are, you will know when you are being unsafe. You might realize it before getting into the car or mid-trip when you experience warning signs. The most important thing to do is not to try and wait it out. Be honest with yourself and get off the road.

Legal Implications

Drowsy driving is sometimes ruled a driver negligence and can have serious liability consequences.

While drowsy driving does not get as much publicity as other unsafe driving conditions, it is a massive problem. When you drive, do everything you can to avoid it. That includes not driving tired, being aware of warning signs, and having the courage to stop driving if you believe you are too tired. Don’t get caught in an accident due to ignorance or negligence. Instead, do everything you can to avoid drowsy driving.

If you have been involved in a St. Louis car accident with a driver who was drowsy or fell asleep behind the wheel, get in touch with our experienced car accident lawyers 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for FREE legal advice.

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

August 2, 2018 By Christopher

While a fair amount of St. Louis car accidents happen due to strange circumstances, the vast majority happen because of a specific set of common causes.

Understanding those causes can do two things for you. First, you can avoid those behaviors yourself, which will significantly decrease your risk of getting into an accident. Second, you can recognize when another driver is driving dangerously, and choose to keep your distance from them. With education and behavioral shifts, you can drastically increase your chances of safety.

Speeding

Cars driving over the speed limit get into accidents at a much higher rate than cars moving at appropriate speeds. This is because a speeding vehicle is hard to steer and slow down. If a speeding driver needs to stop quickly or make an evasive maneuver, they are much more likely to get into an accident than a driver that is going to speed limit.

Intoxication

Drinking alcohol or being on drugs significantly affects driving in a variety of ways. Drivers will often experience slower reaction times, poor judgment, aggression, and a tendency to become distracted. All of these factors combine to make intoxicated driving one of the top causes of accidents.

Distractions

Though most people are guilty of some sort of multitasking while on the road, it is incredibly unsafe and should be avoided. They eat, do makeup, take phone calls, text, and a variety of other distracting activities. The result is taking their eyes off the road and hands off of the wheel. This kind of distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving and is a significant cause of crashes.

Weather

The only common factor that is not behavioral is the weather. In the rain or snow, drivers will often lose control of their vehicles and the results will be dire. The best way to avoid this is taking all necessary safety precautions and avoiding the road entirely when conditions are especially dangerous.

Running Red Lights

Running red lights leads to a significant number of accidents every year. Overly aggressive or distracted drivers can do it, but either way, the consequences are dire. Given that these accidents come at high speeds and are often in a T-Bone alignment, the fatality rate of red light incidents is very high.

Fatigue

Drivers that are fatigued are a liability to themselves and the drivers around them. Much like drunk drivers, their reaction time and ability to stay focused suffer greatly. It may not get as much publicity as some other factors on this list, but fatigued driving is actually one of the most deadly.

Next time you’re out on the road, keep on eye on yourself and other drivers. If you are driving in a way that puts you at risk, then it is time to start removing that habit. On the other hand, if another driver is driving dangerously, then do your best to get away from them and towards safer drivers. If you end up in an accident for whatever reason, you can always contact our St. Louis car accident attorneys to discuss your options. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.

Summer Driving Safety Tips

July 24, 2018 By Christopher

The Summer can be a dangerous time to be on the road in St. Louis. The traffic gets thicker, vacationers are everywhere, and the heat picks up.

For many people, Summer is their favorite time if the year. The weather is excellent, it’s vacation season, and there’s a certain carefree vibe in the air. Unfortunately, it is also the most dangerous time of year to drive. This seems counter intuitive, given that the winter features icy roads, but the statistics back it up. The primary reasons for this are increased pedestrians and increased traffic congestion. If you end up in a Summer car accident, it is best to speak with a St. Louis auto accident attorney. That being said, if you follow our safety tips, you will significantly increase your chances of avoiding an accident and having a safe Summer.

Stay up to Date on Vehicle Maintenance

Whether you’re staying in the city or taking a long road trip, you will want your vehicle in tip-top shape for the Summer. You can ensure this by taking it in for a maintenance checkup. Your mechanic will let you know if you need new tires, brakes, fluids, or anything else.

Be Wary of the Heat

If you park your car in the sun, it’s going to become incredibly hot. For your own comfort, you should consider getting a sun shield. You should also never leave a pet or child unattended in your car. It will get very hot very fast and have dire consequences.

Block the Glare

When the sun is shining brightly, it can adversely affect vision. The best way to ward this off is with an effective pair of sunglasses. For the best performance, opt for a polarized lens.

Be Safe When Packing

When packing your car, make sure you mind two factors: Weight and visibility. If your car is too heavy, it might have a harder time stopping quickly, which could lead to a crash. If you pack your car too tight, you could block your vision and end up not seeing something you otherwise would have.

Manage Allergies

Allergies can lead to eye-watering, sneezing, and a general drop in alertness. The most extreme cases are similar to having a low blood alcohol level. Stay safe by always having your preferred allergy medication handy.

Beware of Summer Rains

The slickest road conditions come when it rains for the first time in a while. There is a lot of dirt and oil buildup on the roads, and when the water comes, they are very slick for the first thirty minutes or so. When a summer rain starts, drive slowly or not at all.

Be Responsible When Sharing the Road

Summer means increased motorcyclists, bikers, road work, and pedestrians. To keep yourself and others safe, always be alert and minimize distractions.

The Summer can be a dangerous time to be on the road in St. Louis. The traffic gets thicker, vacationers are everywhere, and the heat picks up. The best way to avoid accidents is by driving defensively and following the tips we outlined above. If you do end up in a crash, don’t panic. Call a St. Louis car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

Call 24/7 for a FREE Consultation

(314) 361-4242

St. Louis Among Most Dangerous Cities for Drivers

January 29, 2018 By Christopher

Insurance companies often rank these cities as “high risk” areas, meaning you’re statistically more likely to be involved in a traffic accident or auto theft if you live there.

If you live in one of these four cities, you could actually be paying more for auto insurance. Why? Insurance companies often rank these cities as “high risk” areas, meaning you’re statistically more likely to be involved in a traffic accident or auto theft if you live there. Living in one of these cities could also mean stricter legal penalties for accidents.

The following cities are considered to be among the most dangerous for drivers in the US. If you live in one of these metropolitan areas, you’re going to want to take some extra precautionary measures to protect yourself.

Detroit

In general, big cities are more dangerous for drivers. With 16.2 fatal accidents per 100,000 people, Detroit, Michigan is no exception. Residents of Detroit also pay thousands more a year in car insurance than those who live in “safer” cities.

Baton Rouge

In 2016, there were almost 200,000 car accidents in Louisiana. Considering Baton Rouge ranks as the second most dangerous city for drivers, you can bet that a large portion of these accidents happened in this major college town. With the traffic of any capital city and over 45,000 college students at LSU alone, it’s unsurprising Baton Rouge is such a dangerous place to drive.

Baltimore

With heavy traffic from D.C. commuters and an auto related death rate higher than the homicide rate, it’s no wonder Baltimore is considered such a dangerous city for drivers. The state of Maryland has pinpointed a phenomenon of what they call “aggressive drivers” as one of the causes. Now, in Maryland, you can call a hotline to report any aggressive drivers you may witness. Aggressive behavior may include reckless driving or tailgating. Be sure to do your part to keep your city safe.

St. Louis

Traffic related deaths have been steadily increasing in St. Louis, MO. In order to combat these numbers, police are targeting at-fault drivers with harsher consequences.

In St. Louis, car theft is also a huge problem. St. Louis actually has the most motor vehicle theft of any city in Missouri. If you don’t have advanced safety measures in your vehicle, you should consider having an alarm installed, which could possibly even bring down your insurance rates.

Buckle Up

If you live in one of these cities, there are a few things you can do to stay safe. Avoid driving late on weekends when drunk drivers may be coming home from bars. In your household, you should practice a zero tolerance policy for driving while intoxicated and using the phone while in the driver’s seat. If you drive to work in the morning, always stay focused and don’t do your make up or take work calls while you’re behind the steering wheel. Should an accident occur despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted St. Louis auto accident attorney. And of course, buckle up.

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.

7751 Carondelet Ave #601
St. Louis, MO 63105

Phone: (314) 361-4242

Prescription Drugs Use a Leading Cause of St. Louis Car Accidents

February 23, 2017 By Christopher

It is very important for both adults and teenagers to understand the risks associated with drugged driving.

Preventing car accidents is the responsibility of everyone on the road. Each driver should be attentive and alert to what is happening on the road. Anything that causes driver distraction or affects the way the driver pays attention on the road can prove dangerous. The use of alcohol or drugs is notorious for causing fatal car accidents, however, prescription drugs also have the potential to impair drivers and cause fatal crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drugs other than alcohol are responsible for causing 16 percent of motor vehicle accidents.

A study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), revealed that 47 percent of drivers who tested positive for drugs had prescription drugs in their blood. Around 37 percent of these drivers had used marijuana and another 10 percent has used cocaine. Surprisingly, the study made no distinction between the effects of prescription drug abuse and the effects of illicit drugs, because drivers react similarly to both. Our St. Louis car accident lawyer explains that painkillers were the most common drug responsible for crashes.

How prescription drugs affect driving performance

Those who take prescription drugs usually do not realize that their medications have adverse effects on their driving. Some common symptoms that these legally prescribed drugs can cause include drowsiness and altered perceptions. These drugs also affect the driver’s ability to focus on the task at hand, and they alter the driver’s perception of distance and speed. It can also impact judgement, memory and balance. All these symptoms can increase car accident risk.

Who is more likely to cause a drugged driving crash?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports a high incidence of prescription drug use in younger and older adults. A recent study has indicated a 45 percent increase in the number of injury causing accident in people who take benzodiazepines that remain in bloodstream for more than 24 hours. Common drugs associated with higher incidence of motor vehicle accidents include:

Diazepam (Valium)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Chlordiazepoxide (Libratabs)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)

Another research study conducted by NHTSA has shown that more than a quarter of drugged drivers that caused a fatal crash were aged 50 or more. NIDA also reports that the mental decline in older adults can cause them to take prescription drugs more often than they should. They may also take an incorrect dose, and the drug may not metabolize as quickly as it does in adults, leading to unintended intoxication.

Preventing car accidents caused by prescription drug use

If you are the parent of a teenager learning to drive, you should ensure that they understand that they understand the risks associated with drugged driving. Older adults should discuss whether or not they can drive safely after using a prescription drug.

If you have been injured by a drugged driver, you should discuss your rights with an experienced St. Louis car wreck lawyer.