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.

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.