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If you’re feeling tired, you may want to think twice before getting behind the wheel. Statistics show that a fatigued driver is three times more likely to get into an accident, says the National Safety Council (NSC). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving results in approximately 90,000 crashes per year.
Learn about some of the people who may risk driving while drowsy and how you can help prevent yourself from being one.
The National Sleep Foundation’s DrowsyDriving.org notes that a number of essential driving skills may be affected by fatigue. A drowsy driver may experience:
NHTSA also notes that a tired driver may experience “micro sleeps,” in which a person experiences involuntary bouts of sleep or unconsciousness. These episodes can last a few seconds, which is enough for a car to drive the equivalent of a football field while moving at 55 miles per hour.
These symptoms tend to get worse the more fatigued a person becomes, further diminishing the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Although anyone can become drowsy behind the wheel, some drivers may be at increased risked, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include:
Drivers with these risk factors may want to be especially careful.
Whether you belong to a group with higher risk of drowsiness or not, it’s a good idea to take some preventive measures when you’re planning to hit the road. Here are a few things you can do:
Even if you take precautions, it’s important to watch out for the signs of drowsiness when you’re driving. The National Sleep Foundation says that if you experience the following symptoms behind the wheel, it may be time to pull over and rest:
Should you start experiencing signs of fatigue, the NHTSA recommends you pull over somewhere safe — like a well-lit rest stop. Consider drinking a cup or two of coffee or another drink with caffeine, and take a brief nap. DrowsyDriving.org notes that it will take about a half an hour for you to start feeling the effects of the caffeine. If you’re still feeling drowsy (or start to notice signs of fatigue again), it’s time to find somewhere safe to get a good night’s rest.
If you find yourself getting sleepy while behind the wheel, you may be putting yourself and others in danger. Instead of trying to push through, take a break and rest.
Originally published on March 31, 2014.
The post Drowsy Driving: Tips for Avoiding the Risk appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Route 66 — aka “America’s Main Street,” “The Mother Road” and “The Will Rogers Highway” — has captured the imagination of roadtrippers since its inception almost a century ago. Although the highway officially named U.S. 66 has been replaced by the interstate system and renamed in various segments over the years, the storied path from Chicago to Los Angeles still exists — and it has come to represent the hope and spirit of travelers on the drive westward in search of the American Dream.
Whether you’re preparing to buckle up the kids in the back of your SUV or you’re putting on a helmet and heading out on your motorcycle, traveling Route 66 is as much about the stops along the way as it is about the road you’re traveling. The following list of attractions is a small taste of what this pop cultural icon of roadways has to offer. Each stop is unique, but taken together, these roadside wonders help keep the appeal of Route 66 rolling along through the decades.
At the intersection of U.S. Routes 136 and 66 in McClean, Illinois, is the site of one of America’s oldest truck stops: Dixie Truckers Home. Since 1928, this haven has been providing fuel, a bite to eat and a place to rest for weary truckers. While the buildings have been remodeled over time, the original signs remain as a tribute to the stop’s history. No matter how many other truck stops have provided similar offerings along America’s highways over the years, Dixie Truckers Home remains a true original.
One of the pioneers of the now-classic American treat, the Cozy Dog Drive In has been serving up corndogs on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, for decades. Opening a few years after the first Cozy Dog was served at the Lake Springfield Beach House and then at the Illinois State Fair in 1946, the Waldmire family has been serving up this quick and easy hot dog on a stick ever since.
Most of the time, bridges let you drive straight from one shore to another — but not the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River. This Route 66 landmark, which runs between Madison, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, takes a 30-degree turn at its midsection. This unique bridge opened in 1929, taking its name from the treacherous, rocky river section it spans. It was not part of Route 66 until 1936, however, when the highway was rerouted over the Chain of Rocks Bridge. After decades of ushering vehicles from Illinois to Missouri with a mid-river turn, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in 1968, and its traffic was routed to a new bridge just 2,000 feet away. After languishing for years under threat of demolition, the bridge was restored and opened to pedestrian and bike traffic in 1999.
Though Kansas may only host 13 miles of Route 66, it’s home to Cars on the Route on Main Street in Galena. Four women restored the KanOTex Service Station, which was then called Four Women on the Route, sparking a new era for this stretch of Route 66 as a tourist stop. Home to the 1951 International Boom Truck that, according to its owners, served as inspiration for Tow Mater in Pixar’s animated movie “Cars,” the name has been changed to Cars on the Route. The building and decor connect visitors to both Route 66 and the movie. You can stop in for a snack, to get a souvenir and to look at the antique cars outside.
Will Rogers was a beloved newspaper columnist, Broadway performer, political pundit, radio legend, movie star and philosopher — and Route 66 is home to a museum built in his honor. Take a break from your Route 66 road trip in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where you can explore a collection of art, memorabilia and artifacts that tell the life story of one of America’s most beloved personalities.
Built of brick and green-glazed tiles in 1936, the U-Drop Inn’s tower at the intersection of U.S. Routes 83 and 66 in Shamrock, Texas, may be one of the most recognizable structures along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of America’s Highway — an Art Deco design topped with a metal tulip. Owned today by the City of Shamrock, the U-Drop Inn returned to its original luster, thanks to local fundraising and a Federal Transportation Enhancements Grant. Tower Station and U-Drop Inn are now home to a gift shop, museum, visitors’ center and even the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
It’s not every day you see 10 Cadillac automobiles buried nose-down in a line facing west. Known as the Cadillac Ranch, this spot has become a popular stop for fans of public art, cars and Route 66 since its creation in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm. Though over the years, countless people have stopped to take a piece of the cars as a souvenir or mark them with spray paint, which didn’t seem to bother owner Stanley Marsh 3. As the city of Amarillo grew, the entire installation was moved 2 miles west of its original site in 1997, But even with the move and being repainted a number of times, the Cadillacs remain intact and welcome to visitors.
Opened in 1997 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just 11 years after the renowned artist’s death, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum houses more than 140 oil paintings and almost 700 drawings by its namesake. It’s also the site of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center, dedicated to advancing the study and knowledge of American Modernist Art. Stop by to view a wide selection of work from O’Keeffe’s 83-year artistic career and to learn about other American modernists.
Featuring teepee shaped rooms, this unique motel began in 1933 with original owner Frank Redford’s museum of Native American artifacts. He added motel rooms around the museum, creating a “Wigwam Village.” At one time there were seven Wigwam Villages, but only three remain today. Two of the motels are along Route 66 (the third is in Kentucky), and if you’re stopping in Holbrook, Arizona or Rialto/San Bernardino, California for the night, you can stay there. They contain all of the amenities of a regular hotel room, except you have the added bragging rights of saying you slept in a teepee on your journey westward.
As the stopping point of Route 66 and its connection to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find an official “End of the Trail” sign at Santa Monica Pier. Here in Santa Monica, California, among local surfers and international tourists, you can unwind and enjoy the pier’s many offerings — including arcade games, historic walking tours, the famous Ferris wheel, Muscle Beach and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Wherever you choose to stop along the “Mother Road,” make it a trip to remember. Drive safely, and enjoy your journey.
Originally published on August 6, 2013.
The post Top 10 Stops on Route 66 appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
There’s a lot to love about autumn — the changing leaves, pumpkin carving, sweater weather — but when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a car, the change in season from summer to fall can add some challenges. With the wetter, frostier conditions, fallen leaves and fewer hours of daylight, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the roads ahead. Here’s a list of a few autumn driving challenges.
In fall, rain is quite common, which can make visibility difficult and may cause hydroplaning. And if it’s an especially chilly day, rain can turn to frost. Be alert, give yourself enough space to stop and avoid breaking suddenly (unless you have to), says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If fog rolls in, use low beams and maintain an appropriate distance between other vehicles, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
School is back in session, which adds more hustle and bustle in the streets — from increased traffic, to school buses frequent stops and pedestrians crossing. Make sure to follow the speed limits and be aware of pedestrians at all times, says NHTSA. And don’t forget: Halloween brings out trick-or-treaters, so be especially alert on Oct. 31.
Temperatures rise and fall during autumn. These changes may cause car tires to expand and contract, which can result in loss of air pressure. Check your tires regularly to make sure they’re properly inflated. Typically, you can find the proper air pressure for your tires, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), in your car’s owner’s manual.
The colors of fall leaves are a beautiful sight to see, but when they’re in piles on the road, it may turn ugly. Soggy leaves can be as slippery as a patch of ice, according to the National Center for Rural Road Safety. They can also camouflage road hazards, like potholes. If you see wet leaves in the street, proceed carefully.
All fall long, but especially come November, pay attention to animals crossing the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, you’re 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal — especially a deer — in November than at any other time of the year. This fall month coincides with deer mating season when bucks are likely to be roaming. Pay attention to “deer crossing” signs and be extra cautious if you’re driving at dusk or dawn, the highest-risk times for deer crashes. If you encounter an animal on the road, try to avoid swerving, says the Washington Department of Fish and Wildfire. Ideally, you’ll want to come to a controlled stop and let the animal pass.
After a long, balmy summer, the shift to fall can feel like a nice break. Soak it up while staying alert to the driving challenges of the season.
Originally published on October 29, 2013.
The post Prep for the Autumn Roads Ahead appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Color is an important part of road signs today. Many drivers know what a sign means simply by its color. Here’s a rundown of some of the more common colors and examples of signs you might see on the road:
Now you know a little more about the colors of road signs so you can better navigate the road ahead.
Originally published on May 22, 2013.
The post Road Sign Colors: What You Need to Know appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
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